The Effects of Two Different Breastfeeding Workshops on Improving Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Participants: a Comparative Study

Abstract

Health professionals play crucial roles on the self-confidence of nursing mothers and their knowledge of breastfeeding. The aim of this study was a comparison of two different breastfeeding workshops on participants’ knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) and related factors. A cross-sectional study took place in Fetal and neonatal Research Centre (2011- 2012). The intervention composed of two different training courses in breastfeeding. Two workshops were held during three days in two parts: lectures and practical. Each speech regarded the most important aspects of breastfeeding. In training part, a breastfeeding consultant managed the practical exercises. In the second workshop the lecturers used different methods (didactic, strategies to enhance active involvement, educational devices and so on). A questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' KAP before and after each workshop. Among 40 participants in the first workshop, the average age was 37.78 years old, 32 were midwives-nurses and 8 were GPs-residents.   Twenty six had children from which 19 breastfed successfully. Of 27 participants in a second workshop with an average age of 38.59 years, 19 were midwifes- nurses.   Fourteen reported having children from which 11 breastfed successfully. Our data showed that both workshops improved participants’ KAP scores significantly. No significant differences were seen between two groups’ attitude before workshops (P. Value =0.093) but this difference, after the workshop was noticeable (P. Value =0.000). The pertained background factors in changing KAP were: having children, successful breastfeeding experience and age (P. Value< 0.05). In-service breastfeeding training program improves KAP; however, the interactive, practical method is much more effective in changing attitudes of participants.