DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_586_25 ISSN: 2277-9531

Effectiveness of a breastfeeding education package on breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding practices among women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Farhanah A. Shuhaimi, Syahrul Bariah Abdul Hamid, Aza S. Mohamad Yususff
Show PDF Cite

BACKGROUND:

Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) frequently encounter challenges that impede successful breastfeeding, despite its significant benefits for postnatal glycemic control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Breastfeeding Education Package (BFEP) on the knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding practices among pregnant women with GDM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted in Selangor, Malaysia, randomized 58 pregnant women with GDM into an Intensive Breastfeeding Intervention (IBI) group ( n = 29) or a control group (CG) ( n = 29). The IBI group received three individualized dietitian-led education sessions. Knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy were assessed at baseline and 37 weeks’ gestation; breastfeeding practices were monitored for six months post-delivery.

RESULTS:

A two-way repeated measures ANOVA confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention, revealing a significant difference between the IBI group and the CG in improving breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy ( P < 0.005). The IBI group attained significantly higher mean scores for knowledge (35.76 ± 5.77), attitude (89.91 ± 9.9), and self-efficacy (56.02 ± 8.17) compared to the CG ( P < 0.001). This was reflected in practice, as the mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was longer in the IBI group (92.41 ± 82.14 days) than in the CG (55.59 ± 74.90 days). Furthermore, a Pearson’s correlation within the IBI group identified a small, positive relationship between knowledge and attitude scores and the subsequent length of EBF.

CONCLUSION:

BFEP is an effective intervention that significantly improves the antenatal knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of mothers with GDM. These psychosocial enhancements, in turn, translate into a longer duration of breastfeeding post-delivery.

More from our Archive