Effect of Educational Program on Maternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil;

2 Department of Nursing, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.104707.2660

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding contributes to the reduction of infant mortality. Educational programs
have been employed to strengthen maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate
the effect of a combined educational intervention on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Methods: A clinical trial was conducted with 152 postpartum women from a public maternity hospital
in Fortaleza, Brazil, between February and November 2019. Participants were randomized in blocks
into an intervention group and a comparison group that received conventional care. The intervention
group received serial album “Eu Posso Amamentar o Meu Filho” (I Can Breastfeed My Child) and brief
motivational interview in addition to routine care. Data collection occurred at the maternity hospital
and via telephone follow-up at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days, using a sociodemographic and obstetric
questionnaire, the Brazilian version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form, and a feeding
pattern form. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, employing Chi-square tests, independent
t-tests, and repeated measures analysis. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.
Results: The intervention group showed higher mean scores in breastfeeding self-efficacy than
the comparison group at 15 (P<0.001), 30 (P<0.001), 60 (P<0.001), and 90 days (P=0.015). In the
comparison group, the means across the time points did not show a statistically significant difference
(P=0.087), but in the intervention group, there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001).
Regarding exclusive breastfeeding, the mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group was higher
the than comparison group to 60 days (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The combined educational intervention increased breastfeeding self-efficacy, and its
effects lasted for up to 90 days postpartum.
Trial Registration Number: U1111-1251-1052.

Keywords

International Journal of Community Based Nursing & Midwifery
Volume 13, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 168-179

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