The influence of health education on breastfeed self-efficacy: Quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the nursing educational intervention for the promotion of the breastfeeding self-efficacy of nursing mothers hospitalized in a maternity hospital in northern Brazil. Method: Quasi-experimental, longitudinal study, composed of an intervention group (n=80) and observation group (n=78). The educative intervention occurred through conversation wheel. Data collection occurred in the period from January to March 2018. Results: In the intervention group, nursing mothers showed high breastfeeding efficacy, whereas in the observation group, the efficacy was moderate. Among nursing mothers with more schooling, who work out of home and with intact nipples, the educative intervention influenced for better breastfeeding self-efficacy. The intervention group showed higher mean breastfeeding self-efficacy and increased frequency of breastfeeding. Conclusion: For the nursing mothers hospitalized in the maternity of study, the educative intervention influenced for the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding within the 60 first days after delivery.