1Ramees Fathima Shamsuddin - Writing, editing and data collection
2,3,4Department of Pediatrics, SRM Medical College and Research Center, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District-603203, Tamil Nadu, India
2*Sagul Ramanuja Mugunthan - Visualization, validation and final approval of the paper (Corresponding Author)
Email: drsagul11@gmail.com
Background: Breastfeeding is essential for infant health, offering critical nutritional and immunological benefits. However, in suburban Indian settings, paternal roles in breastfeeding support remain poorly understood despite increasing global recognition of their importance.
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement of fathers in supporting breastfeeding in suburban communities of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 eligible fathers of infants aged 6–12 months using a structured, interview-based questionnaire. The survey assessed paternal attitudes, breastfeeding knowledge, and participation in support practices.
Results: The majority of fathers demonstrated positive engagement across key breastfeeding domains, with highest agreement in perinatal care (86.9%), rooming-in (86.9%), and responsive feeding (83.1%). Moderate support was noted for antenatal involvement (65.4%) and breastfeeding assistance (63.8%). Higher education and first-time fatherhood were significantly associated with stronger support (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated limited predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.46), suggesting that positive attitudes did not always translate into supportive behaviours.
Conclusion: Although fathers demonstrated positive attitudes toward breastfeeding, a gap remains between awareness and active involvement. Strengthening father-focused education through prenatal counselling and community outreach is vital to enhance breastfeeding outcomes in suburban India.
Keywords: infant nutrition, breastfeeding, paternal support, suburban India, public health, attitudes, knowledge.
How to cite this article: Shamsuddin RF, Mugunthan SR, Chinnasami B, Sundar S. Assessing Paternal Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Supporting Exclusive Breastfeeding in a Suburban Community in India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 609-614; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.86
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None