Impact of web-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding rates among primiparous mothers in iran: a quasi-experimental study.

INTRODUCTION

Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to meet the nutritional needs of infants in early life. Web-based breastfeeding education platforms offer a modern solution to support primiparous mothers by providing structured, interactive content such as videos, podcasts, and learning assessments. In this study, an educational website was developed to deliver weekly sessions, track progress through quizzes, and send reminders to encourage participation. This study aimed to examine the effect of such a web-based program on the exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous mothersin Iran.

METHODS

This research was a semi-experimental study conducted with 70 primiparous women visiting healthcare centers in Zahedan city in 2024. The intervention group used a website designed by the researcher for 8 sessions. This website contained information and expert advice on breastfeeding and correct breastfeeding techniques. The data collection tool was the Dennis Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, which was completed at two stages: pre-test and post-test (3 weeks after the intervention). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

RESULTS

The average age of mothers in the intervention group was 24.85 ± 5.49 years, and in the control group, it was 26.22 ± 4.65 years. Before the intervention, breastfeeding self-efficacy scores in the intervention and control groups were 30.42 ± 6.49 and 32.82 ± 4.30, respectively. After the intervention, the self-efficacy scores increased to 36.45 ± 5.73 in the intervention group and 32.88 ± 4.29 in the control group. In fact, web-based breastfeeding education significantly increased breastfeeding self-efficacy in the intervention group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that breastfeeding education websites can have a significant impact on the breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous mothers in the context of exclusive breastfeeding. By providing accurate and scientific information, these websites help mothers approach breastfeeding with greater confidence. It is recommended that these websites be included in supportive programs for pregnant primiparous women.