The effectiveness of an interactive digital-based educational program in improving breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy among primiparous women in Egypt

Abstract

Malnutrition is the main cause of two-thirds of deaths among Egyptian under five children, which could be due to reduced rates of breastfeeding, as it is one of the contributing factors. Breastfeeding is the optimal solution for health promotion to mothers and their infants. It has various benefits not only for the mother and infant but also for society. Breastfeeding educational programs are essential for the enhancement of knowledge and self-efficacy of new mothers, and to ensure a longer duration of breastfeeding. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of an interactive digital-based educational program about breastfeeding on the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of primiparous women in Egypt. A quasi-experimental study design was adopted. The study was held in Itay El-baroud maternal and child health center, whereby 120 pregnant women were purposively selected. Then, they were randomly assigned to either a study group (60) or control group (60). The derived data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 20, Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square test and independent sample t test were utilized. Four tools were utilized for data collection. A statistically significant mean difference was found concerning total breastfeeding knowledge scores after one month and three months. The total attitude and self-efficacy scores showed highly statistically significant differences after one month and three months from the start of the program. Moreover, breastfeeding self-efficacy was found to be positively correlated with knowledge and attitude. In conclusion, the interactive digital-based educational program about breastfeeding was suggested to be effective in enhancing the knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy of the primiparous women, in combination with other health education activities. Therefore, it is recommended that web-based educational sites are created for first-time mothers.