Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
M.Sc. student in Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Research Center, Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Breast-feeding is one of the priorities of public health and the best starting in the life of every child. Considering the importance of parents' knowledge and attitude about the benefits of breastfeeding, this study was performed with aim to examine the effect of parents' education on their knowledge, attitude and performance in breastfeeding up to four months.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 76 couples who had 3-5 days neonate and referred to Rastravesh Health Center in Karaj to receive health care services in 2015. The subjects were randomly placed in the control or intervention groups. Demographic and obstetrics, knowledge, attitude and performance questionnaire was completed by the parents. The educational intervention consisted of two 40-minute sessions with a week interval at first visit and one week later. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21) and independent t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and covariance with repeated measures. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: There was significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge, attitude and performance of mothers and fathers at three times, including before the intervention, a week later and four months after the intervention (P<0.001). Statistical comparison showed that the mean score of knowledge, attitudes and performance of mothers and fathers had increased in the intervention group.
Conclusion: Education has a significant effect on improving knowledge, attitudes and performance among parents on how to breastfeed the child; so using educational programs regarding correct breastfeeding practice can have an important effect on the growth and health of the neonate.
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