The Effect of the Implementation of the Breastfeeding Education and Infant Care Program in the Virtual Platform on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of Primiparous Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding (BF) self-efficacy is a key predictor of breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Although educational interventions can improve BF outcomes, evidence on the effectiveness of structured virtual BF and infant care education programs for primiparous mothers remains limited. This study evaluated the effect of a virtual BF and infant care education program on BF self-efficacy among primiparous mothers.

Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 108 primiparous mothers attending comprehensive health centers affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were randomly assigned (1:1) to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received a 3-month virtual BF and newborn care education program consisting of 24 sessions, including peer experience-sharing, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form (BSES-SF) and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results: Baseline BSES-SF scores did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.20). Following the intervention, BF self-efficacy scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in BSES-SF scores in the intervention group (p < 0.001), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.12).

Conclusions: A structured virtual BF and infant care education program incorporating individualized support and peer experience-sharing significantly improved BF self-efficacy among primiparous mothers. Integrating such programs into community health services may enhance BF practices and maternal and neonatal health outcomes.