Table 3 Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge among the studied rural women during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 178)

Heard of exclusive breastfeeding

11

6.2

167

93.8

Exclusive breastfeeding definition

43

24.2

135

75.8

Best time to start breastfeeding

83

46.6

95

53.4

Colostrum benefits the baby

139

78.1

39

21.9

EBF protects newborns against infectious diseases

144

80.9

34

19.1

EBF protects newborns against chronic diseases

66

37.1

112

62.9

EBF protects women against breast and ovarian cancers

141

79.2

37

20.8

EBF protects women from certain chronic diseases

36

20.2

142

79.8

Frequency of breastfeeding

114

64.0

64

36.0

Recommended fluids for infants < 6 months

46

25.8

132

74.2

The optimal age to start complementary food

53

29.8

125

70.2

Management of scanty milk in the first 3 days

129

72.5

49

27.5

Coronavirus is transmitted by breastmilk

69

38.8

109

61.2

A breastfeeding mother can protect herself and infant from COVID-19 by

    • Maintaining a social distance of 1 m

174

97.8

4

2.2

    • Avoiding contact with ill people

177

99.4

1

0.6

    • Wearing a surgical mask outdoors

177

99.4

1

0.6

    • Maintaining handwashing before and after infant contact

178

100.0

0

0.0

    • Using hand sanitizers as alcohol

160

89.9

18

10.1

    • Maintaining respiratory hygiene practices

161

90.4

17

9.6

        WHO recommendations for COVID -19 suspected or positive mothers

106

59.6

72

40.4

        WHO recommendations for COVID -19 severe positive mothers

108

60.7

70

39.3

        COVID-19 vaccination recommended for breastfeeding women

82

46.1

96

53.9