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Evaluation of an instructional program on Primigravida women’s knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an instructional program on improving knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among primigravida women in primary healthcare centres. Methods: A quasi-experimental study (one-group pretest-post-test design) was conducted from October 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025. A purposive sample of 60 primigravida women attending a primary health centre in Iraq was recruited. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing EBF knowledge before and after a structured instructional program. The program consisted of a single 45-minute session using lectures and visual aids. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired samples t-test. Results: A significant improvement in mean knowledge scores was observed post-intervention (67.4 ± 3.4) compared to pre-intervention (42.1 ± 8.7), with a mean difference of 25.3 points (t(59) = 25.12, p < 0.001). High post-test knowledge was noted regarding the definition of EBF (95%), the sufficiency of breastmilk (95%), and the initiation of breastfeeding (88.3%). However, knowledge regarding EBF's protective effects against sudden infant death syndrome (46.7% "I know") and acute otitis media (50% "I know") remained moderate. No significant associations were found between post-test knowledge scores and demographic characteristics (age, education, occupation, residence; p > 0.05). Conclusion: The instructional program significantly improved knowledge of EBF among primigravida women. Integrating such structured educational sessions into routine antenatal care at primary health centres is recommended to promote EBF practices.
DOI: 10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v9i1.1182
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7147314089
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