Identification of educational needs on breastfeeding among Armenian mothers and preparation of appropriate educational materials for them

Abstract

Objective: This study is aimed to identify educational needs of lactating mothers in Armenia concerning optimal breastfeeding and infant feeding practices, and to suggest effective means to address those needs. Method: Qualitative methodology was implemented with the utilization of focus group discussions with the target population-mothers of infants under 6 months of age, with the purpose to determine their perceptions, beliefs and attitudes toward breastfeeding and to find out their infant feeding habits. Four focus group sessions were conducted between July 27 th and August 3rd, 1999, two of which were in Yerevan, and two others were in the Regions, with participation of a total of 30 women. A semi-structured field-guide and note-taking technique was used. The analysis was done by rereading notes, coding the key areas of interest and regrouping research findings according to those key areas. Results: The study revealed lack of knowledge in manyareas that are crucial for successful breastfeeding, such as correct positioning of the baby at the breast, insuring enough frequency of feedings to stimulate lactation, and importance of night feedings. Mothers had many misconceptions concerning the breastfeeding process, breast milk, as well as nutritional value of different foods and liquids for the child. They were unable to nderstand causes and consequeunces of common problems that they faced during lactation and were tended to seek those causes in their immediate impressions and eelings, considering common and temporal breastfeeding difficulties as unchangeable and hopeless situations. In some areas a discrepancy was observed between mothers’ knowledge and actual behavior. Thus, exposure to the statement alone was not enough for changing mothers’ behavior. Profound, well-organized and convincing information on many practical aspects of infant feeding was considered necessary to produce behavioral changes among them. Mothers demonstrated strong ability to be influenced by inappropriate marketing of baby foods and drinks in the case when they have no available and reliable sources of information. Brochures and conversations with the specialists were identified as preferable sources of information for mothers. Development and pre-testing of educational materials: According to these results 11 areas of educational messages on infant feeding were determined, and 17 common questions were considered important to address. A 22-page brochure “How to Breastfeed”, a 10-hour Curriculum on Breastfeeding Education, and a scenario of 4-minute TV-spot on Breastfeeding were developed and pre-tested via two focus group discussions with mothers of infants. The results showed that these materials were not only acceptable and convincing for mothers, but also were influential enough to produce behavioral changes. Conclusion: Developed educational materials might be powerful tools to promote optimal breastfeeding practices. Besides, to reach better results, it is important to ensure the consistency of information that mothers receive from different sources. And also, success of breastfeeding largely depends on appropriate help that mothers get from maternity wards and from children polyclinics thereafter.