Impact of Training Healthcare Providers on Alternatives to Bottle Feeding: Implications on Public Health Policy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Nipple confusion happens when a baby experiences problems adapting between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. It can be overcome using techniques such as lactation aid and feeding by finger, syringe, spoon, cup, or paced bottle. Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of healthcare providers at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) regarding nipple confusion and alternative feeding methods of bottle feeding. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among healthcare providers in NICU at Beni-Suef University Hospital, conducted from March 2023 to October 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was administered before and after a structured educational intervention. It covered the knowledge regarding breastfeeding and bottle feeding, nipple confusion, alternative feeding methods of bottle feeding, and own clinical practice. Results: The study included 126 participants; 77 nurses and 49 physicians. The mean age of participants was 27.1±5.7 years and 83.3% were females. The mean knowledge and practice scores of the study participants were 12.24±3.44 and 14.25±5.24, respectively. Following the educational intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean knowledge and practice scores (18.56±2.53 and 15.98±2.95, respectively). The percentages of changes in knowledge and practice scores were 73.46%±83.46 and 27.47%±48.24, respectively. There was a large effect size of knowledge score (Cohen’s D=2.09), while the effect size for practice was small (Cohen’s D=0.41). Conclusions: The educational intervention has improved the knowledge and practice of healthcare providers at NICU setting. it is recommended that a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative should be implemented in Beni-Suef University Hospitals to promote breastfeeding and prevent nipple confusion.
Authors: Ghada Hamdy Ahmed, Shaimaa Ahmed Senosy, Aida Mohamed Said Salem, Tamer Mohamed Said Hifnawy, Zeinab Mohammed
Institution: Beni-Suef University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417236237
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