| This study is a quasi-experimental research of the educational program on basic knowledge and breast-feeding behavior of primigravidas during the postpartum period. It aims to compare the effects of this educational program to a general educational program. One hundred and thirty primigravidas at Sappasithipasong Hospital, Ubonratchathani were purposively sampled and divided into two main groups: the experimental group and the control group (65 each). The educational program included the information on basic knowledge and the importance of breast-feeding, the breast-feeding practice guidelines, and the breast-feeding handbook. Data were collected by using the pre and post tests to investigate the basic knowledge of the primigravidas whereas the breast-feeding behaviors were observed and scored. The data was then analyzed and displayed in frequency, percentage and a standard deviation. Knowledge scores and behavior scores of the sample groups before and after participating in the educational program were compared by using t-test. Variables that affected on the knowledge and behaviors of the
primigravidas were additionally compared by using ANOVA statistics.
The results showed that the mean scores on knowledge and behaviors of the experimental group (Mean=23.09, 16.85) were significantly higher than those of the control group (Mean=18.23, 12.75), after participating in the educational program (p< 0.01). The main factor that significantly influenced the knowledge scores was their occupations (p< 0.01). That is, the knowledge scores of working mothers were higher than those of housewives. Findings from the observation after one month delivery revealed that there was the percentage decrease of breast-feeding in the experimental group and the control group (14.2%, 7.9%), comparing to their intentions before delivery. Instead of breast feeding, babies were fed with water, milk and other supplementary food. Reasons to feed the babies besides breast feeding were (1) to be concerned about hungriness, resulting in excessive crying, (2) to wash the babies' mouths, and (3) to train the babies to bottle-feeding. In addition, they did not want their babies to have hyperbilirubinemia.
In summary, the educational program is useful in promoting the primigravidas to gain more knowledge and understanding on breast-feeding. However, it is hardly difficult to reach the goal of the Ministry of Public Health that aims at promoting breast-feeding at 6 months postpartum. Therefore, it is necessary to do regular home visits and a counseling program as well as family supports to promote a breast-feeding program. |