Assessment of breastfeeding information in general obstetrics and gynecology textbooks

The purpose of this study was to determine if breastfeeding information in obstetrics/ gynecology textbooks is complete, current, and evidence-based. Five general obstetrics/gynecology textbooks were reviewed to assess 22 basic breastfeeding facts. Five reviewers reviewed each text to determine the number of items presented, the number omitted, and the accuracy of the information. The mean number of breastfeeding facts present in each textbook was 14.6 (10-20), the mean number present and correct was 12.6 (5-18), present but incorrect/inconsistent 2 (0-5), and omitted 7.4 (2-12). The facts in the texts were usually correct. The percentages of correct answers for each text were 50%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and 100%, respectively. However, there were significant omissions; two of the texts missed half of the criteria scored. Scores for Omitted(Reviewed + Omitted) were 9%, 14%, 36%, 55%, and 55%. Overall, breastfeeding information in obstetrics/gynecology textbooks is variable and there are often significant omissions and/or inaccuracies.