From knowledge to practice: The impact of leaflet-supported education on exclusive breastfeeding in Iraqi mothers
Ali Yousif Nori, Amjad Ibrahim Oraibi, Reman M. AlGabh, Israa A. Almastafa, Alhasan Ali, Zahraa Salam, Hany Akeel Al-hussaniyBACKGROUND:
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 (
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,
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.