Promoting Breastfeeding Through Educational Interventions: A Comparison of Face to Face and Group Education

Abstract

Background: A lack of knowledge regarding breastfeeding is a significant contributing factor to its underutilization. Objectives: This study was designed to examine the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in two formats — individual and group — on promoting breastfeeding practices among pregnant women. Methods: A semi-experimental design was employed, involving 90 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Two intervention groups receiving either individual or group-based education, and a control group. A standardized educational program, aligned with the TPB and focused on breastfeeding promotion, was delivered across four weekly sessions. Data were collected using a questionnaire at three time points and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The average age of the participants was 25 years. The predominant educational level was high school graduation, and the majority of participants were housewives. The intervention and control groups were homogeneous in terms of age, education, occupation, income, and preference for type of delivery. The intervention groups exhibited a significant improvement in scores related to all constructs of the TPB after completing the training program (P < 0.001). Moreover, the immediate post-training effects were more pronounced compared to the one-month follow-up. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two intervention groups in terms of the variables examined. Conclusions: The findings of this study do not support the hypothesis that one training method (individual or group) is more effective than the other in promoting breastfeeding intentions and behaviors.