The Effect of Health Education on Mothers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Exclusive Breastfeeding
Keywords:
Attitude, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Health Education, Knowledge, MothersAbstract
Background : Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is a proven intervention to improve infant health, reduce morbidity and mortality, and support optimal growth and development. Nevertheless, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding remains below national and global targets. Inadequate maternal knowledge and unfavorable attitudes are recognized as important barriers to successful breastfeeding practices. Health education is considered an effective health promotion strategy to enhance maternal knowledge and foster positive attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education on mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding. Methods : A quantitative study employing a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 60 mothers selected using consecutive sampling. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The intervention group received structured health education through interactive lectures, group discussions, breastfeeding demonstrations, educational videos, and printed leaflets, whereas the control group received routine health education. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires measuring knowledge and attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent t-test, and multiple linear regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results : The mean knowledge score in the intervention group increased from 61.8 ± 8.4 to 87.6 ± 6.3, while the mean attitude score improved from 65.4 ± 7.1 to 88.2 ± 5.8. Improvements in the control group were comparatively lower.
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