Effect of PRECEDE Model-based Education on the Breastfeeding Behavior of Nulliparous Mothers

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of the mental-cognitive development of the child. The most useful application of the PRECEDE model is to explain factors associated with behaviors.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PRECEDE model-based education on the breastfeeding behavior of nulliparous mothers.Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 mothers referring to the health centers in Gonabad, Iran, in 2017-18. The participants were divided into intervention and control groups using a table of random numbers. The data were collected through a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model including predisposing factors, reinforcing factors, enabling factors, self-efficacy, as well as behavioral and social evaluation. Breastfeeding behavior was also assessed using the standard infant breastfeeding assessment tool (IBAFT). Data were analyzed in SPSS 21 through independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test.Results: No significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors (P<0.05) before the intervention. However, a significant difference was found between the two groups regarding knowledge, attitude, reinforcing factors, enabling factors, and breastfeeding behavior (P<0.001) after the intervention. The mean±SD of breastfeeding behavior showed a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001).Implications for Practice: Due to the effectiveness of the PRECEDE model-based training in the breastfeeding behavior of nulliparous women, this educational content can be used to promote breastfeeding behavior in health centers and hospitals.

Keywords

• breastfeeding behavior
• health education
• precede model