Impact of attitude and knowledge on intention to breastfeed: Can mHealth based education influence decision to breastfeed exclusively?

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery Vol. 35; pp. 6 - 12
• Main Authors: Alnasser, Yossef, Almasoud, Nouf, Aljohni, Dhaherah, Almisned, Rawan, Alsuwaine, Basel, Alohali, Rawa, Almutairi, Ohoud, Alhezayen, Reem
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2018; Elsevier
• Subjects: Original Research
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2018.09.007

Exclusive breastfeeding has been endorsed as the healthiest feeding choice for newborns. This study aims to assess impact of expecting mothers’ knowledge and attitude toward intention to breastfeed exclusively. Utilizing mobile health (mHealth) as educational tool can offer a widely distributed and affordable platform to promote exclusive breastfeeding. This study aims to assess impact of expecting mothers’ knowledge, attitude and beliefs on decision to breastfeed exclusively. Furthermore, it purposes mobile health (mHealth) as educational tool offering a widely distributed, affordable and accessible platform to promote exclusive breastfeeding. The study was conducted in prenatal clinics’ waiting areas to interview expecting mothers utilizing a translated version of Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (IFPS II, CDC). After completing the survey, an educational video was shown utilizing a tablet and the question was re-asked about intention toward breastfeeding exclusively. Most expecting mothers indicated having some awareness about breastfeeding (67%) but only 46.1% intended to initiate exclusive breastfeeding early in life prior to the intervention. Moreover, only 53.7% believed breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice. Actually, 39.5% of participants considered breastfeeding equal to formula. Most working mothers complained of lack of workplace support to breastfeed. Also, they were not comfortable breastfeeding in front of others except spouse. Additionally, most participants found nurses and media as poor information resources. Resources utilizing social media and Internet were found useful. After watching the educational video, the majority expressed positive intention to breastfeed exclusively (80.8%). Positive intentions were associated with advance maternal age, prior breastfeeding knowledge and willingness to hear experts’ opinions. Saudi women have limited knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation. They feel unprepared, unsupported, lack resources and socially challenged. An educational material utilizing mHealth can alter intentions to breastfeed exclusively. •Evidence of limited knowledge and various attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation among Saudi expecting mothers.•This study identified risk and protective factors that might tailor future effort and initiatives to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia.•Evidence of importance of breastfeeding education to promote exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation.•mHealth based education can alter intention positively toward exclusive breastfeeding.•mHealth based education can present a public health intervention that is wildly distributed, accessible, easy to implement and affordable.