Breastfeeding for Better Health - A Community-Based Intervention

Abstract Introduction: Breastfeeding provides multiple health benefits for both mother and child. Several studies suggest that community interventions enhance breastfeeding literacy, practice and duration. The authors developed an intervention to improve parents’ knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding in the prenatal period as a means of promoting this practice. Methods: An informative session on breastfeeding was organized for pregnant women registered at USF Rainha D. Amélia and their partners. Questionnaires were implemented before, immediately after, and one month post-session to assess knowledge at these intervals. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, comparison between questionnaires and analysis of the effect of several variables on knowledge progression. Results: The study included 33 participants, 78.8% of whom were women. Initial questionnaire results showed 67.3% correct answers, which increased to 91.5% immediately post-session, representing a 36% improvement (p < 0.001). Level of education was the sole predictor of higher initial knowledge (p = 0.023). Age and level of education significantly impacted knowledge progression (p = 0.034), but after adjusting for confounders, only previous attendance of a breastfeeding course predicted greater knowledge progression (p = 0.023). Discussion: The project effectively met its goals, confirming the efficacy of community interventions on breastfeeding conducted by healthcare professionals. Age, level of education, and prior breastfeeding knowledge positively influenced the decision to breastfeed. Father’s involvement and increased understanding of breastfeeding will likely enhance their ability to support the mothers. Conclusion: This community intervention positively impacted breastfeeding literacy.