A Randomized Controlled Trial of Knowledge Sharing Practice with Empowerment Strategies in Pregnant Women to Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding during the First Six Months Postpartum
Jutamart Kupratakul BRN, MEd*, Surasak Taneepanichskul MD**,****, Nipunporn Voramongkol MD***, Vorapong Phupong MD**,****
Affiliation : * Research for Health Development (Multidisciplinary and International Programs), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand **** Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Although there are many benefits to breastfeeding, its prevalence and duration in many countries is still lower
than the international recommendation for 6-month exclusive breastfeeding. The objective of the present study was to
investigate whether a knowledge sharing practices with empowerment strategies (KSPES) program on antenatal education
and postnatal support strategies improves the rates of 6-month exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months postpartum
compared with a standard knowledge of breastfeeding techniques.
Material and Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Pregnant women of more than 32 weeks’ gestation were
randomly assigned to receive a routine standard knowledge of breastfeeding techniques alone (control group) or with KSPES
on antenatal education and postnatal support strategies (study group). The primary outcome was the rate of exclusive
breastfeeding at 6-month postpartum. The secondary outcomes were rates at 7 days, 14 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months
postpartum.
Results : Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the study group were significantly higher when compared with those in the control
group at 14 days (82.5% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.005), 1 month (77.5% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.021), 2 months (62.5% vs. 36.8%,
p = 0.023), 4 months (35.0% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.008), 5 months (25.0% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.012), and 6 months postpartum (20.0%
vs. 0%, p = 0.005).
Conclusion : KSPES on antenatal education and postnatal support strategies significantly improve rates of exclusive
breastfeeding at 6-month postpartum. These strategies also significantly improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 14 days,
1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 months postpartum.
Keywords : Breastfeeding, Exclusive, Knowledge sharing practices with empowerment strategies, Standard knowledge
