Work

From knowledge to practice: The impact of leaflet-supported education on exclusive breastfeeding in Iraqi mothers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is a cornerstone of neonatal survival, yet rates in Iraq remain below international targets. Low-cost educational interventions may provide a feasible way to improve maternal knowledge and practice. To evaluate the effect of leaflet-based education on mothers, attitudes, and exclusive breastfeeding practices among pregnant women in Iraq. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of leaflet-based education on maternal knowledge, attitudes, and exclusive breastfeeding practices among pregnant women in Iraq MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple randomized study was conducted at Al-Karama Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, involving 90 third-trimester pregnant women. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 45) receiving education with both a leaflet and the MCH book, or a control group ( n = 45) receiving education with the MCH book alone. Knowledge and attitude scores were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The knowledge scores improved significantly in both groups, with a greater percentage increase in the intervention group (+34.5%) compared to the negative group (+26.9%). Attitude scores also increased significantly in both groups, with a trend toward stronger improvement in the intervention arm (+17.5% vs. +13.5%). Exclusive breastfeeding rates at one month postpartum were markedly higher in the intervention group (57.8%) compared with the control group (20.0%). Logistic regression identified group assignment as the strongest independent predictor (OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.8–11.5, P = 0.002), while maternal education also showed a significant effect (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.7, P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Leaflet-based education, when combined with the MCH book, significantly improved exclusive breastfeeding practices and showed positive, though not statistically significant, trends in enhancing maternal knowledge and attitudes.

Source: Journal of Education and Health Promotion

DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1657_25