Perspect Nurs Sci.  2020 Oct;17(2):90-98. 10.16952/pns.2020.17.2.90.

A Self-Efficacy Promotion Program for the Continuation of Breastfeeding for Mothers of Premature Infants

• Lee Bh
• Bang KS

• KMID: 2508295
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16952/pns.2020.17.2.90

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the effects of breastfeeding education among preterm mothers.
Methods
A nonequivalent control group, repeated measure, quasi-experimental study design was used. The participants comprised 46 preterm mothers recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital who were divided into two groups: 23 in the control group and 22 in the experimental group. The breastfeeding education program intervention to promote preterm mothers’ self-efficacy used was devised based on the self-efficacy theory. The intervention program consisted of individual breastfeeding education with demonstrations and discharge education, and telephone follow-up education within one week after being discharged. The participants were surveyed before and after the intervention, and four weeks after being discharged from the newborn intensive care unit.
Results
The intervention group showed a significant increase in breastfeeding self-efficacy compared with the control group (F=6.92, p=.003) and showed a significant increase in their breastfeeding attitude score (F=3.49, p=.039). Four weeks after discharge, the breastmilk volume of the intervention group increased significantly (t=-2.87, p=.006), and the same group continued to breastfeed more compared with the control group (x² =4.50, p=.049).
Conclusion
This study suggests that the preterm breastfeeding program had a positive effect on breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding attitude, and extending the breastfeeding period among preterm mothers.

Keyword

Premature infant; Breastfeeding; Self efficacy; Attitude