The Impact of Breastfeeding Training on Nurses: An Educational Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Research demonstrates the importance of acquisition of knowledge of breastfeeding by postnatal mothers as a key strategy to improve maternal and infant health. Of health care practitioners, nurses typically spend the most time with these mothers, and they must be knowledgeable in breastfeeding practices as well as recognizing early barriers.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of nurses on breastfeeding and reassess their knowledge after a training program.

Methods: This time-series design study included 32 nursing staff involved in taking care of postpartum mothers. The nurses underwent a one-day training on breastfeeding. They were then evaluated periodically on their knowledge on breastfeeding at four different time points. The retention of knowledge was calculated based on the change in scores, as per mean numeric scores, immediately after the training compared to 12 and 24 months after the training.

Results: In the thematic area ‘Early initiation, colostrum and knowledge on pre-lacteal feeds’ and ‘Scenario Based Questions’, there was a significant change (<0.001) from baseline in the mean scores once the nurses underwent training. The KAP assessment revealed a low total score of 16.6 out of 35 prior to the one-day training. There was a significant change (<0.001) in the mean knowledge score after the training, 28.7 compared to 16.6, and the knowledge was retained 12 months after the training 19.2, whereas after 24 months post training was 18.7.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need to train and constantly re-train our nursing staff to ensure their ability of to accurately and efficiently part knowledge on breastfeeding and hence help initiate early breastfeeding and follow global recommendations.