Impact of a Brief Educational Intervention on Breastfeeding Knowledge and Intention for Pediatric Primary Care Clinicians.

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric primary care clinicians are ideally situated to support breastfeeding but may lack knowledge and confidence. This study evaluates the impact of a brief educational program on clinicians' breastfeeding knowledge and intention to implement breastfeeding support.

Methods: Pre- and post-test study design using a convenience sample of pediatric primary care clinicians (n = 26), who participated in a 25-minute educational program. Paired t-test was used to compare breastfeeding knowledge and intention before and after the program.

Results: Breastfeeding knowledge was significantly higher after participation in the program (p < .05). There was no significant change in intention to implement breastfeeding support, perhaps due to high clinician intention prior to participation.

Discussion: Findings demonstrate that a brief educational program can increase clinicians' breastfeeding knowledge, which is important for improving evidence-based breastfeeding practices and decreasing disparities. Findings highlight the need for further research into barriers to improving clinicians' intention to implement breastfeeding support and alternative methods to overcome them.