Evaluation of an educational intervention workshop for medical students aimed at improving their knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. Quasi-experimental study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention workshop for medical students aimed to improve their knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a workshop addressing various topics and activities related to breastfeeding with the participation of 154 medical students. Their knowledge and attitudes were assessed at the beginning and end of the workshop. The data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of the students improved their knowledge level, female 29.8% to 95.2% (p<0.05) and male 26.0% to 84.0% (p<0.05); and positive attitudes increased, female 29.8% to 91.3% (p<0.05) and male 34.0% to 82.0% (p<0.05). The knowledge and positive attitudes that changed significantly after the workshop were: information on breast milk nutrient content, the correct breastfeeding technique, the most common breastfeeding problems and solutions, and the need to provide mothers with counseling, support and accompaniment. CONCLUSIONS: The educational workshop resulted an effective practice in medical students to increase knowledge and acquire positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. It is important to consider that educational interventions aimed at modifying the knowledge and attitudes related to breastfeeding through the practical training of future physicians are a positive action that could have an impact on the increase in women who achieve successful breastfeeding.