Effectiveness of Booklet-Based Exclusive Breastfeeding Counseling on Third-Trimester Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

Background: Antenatal breastfeeding counseling can strengthen maternal readiness, while booklets allow key messages to be reviewed repeatedly. This study assessed changes in knowledge and attitudes among third-trimester pregnant women after booklet-based exclusive breastfeeding counseling. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study involved all 20 third-trimester pregnant women registered in the Ingin Jaya Community Health Center area, Aceh Besar, selected by total sampling. Knowledge and attitude were measured using interviewer-administered questionnaires before and after counseling. Data were summarized descriptively and analyzed using paired t tests at a 95% confidence level. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 14.15 +/- 2.94 to 19.35 +/- 2.41, with a mean difference of 5.20 +/- 2.50 (95% CI, 4.10-6.30; p<0.001). Mean attitude scores increased from 34.75 +/- 2.99 to 44.45 +/- 3.58, with a mean difference of 9.70 +/- 4.30 (95% CI, 7.70-11.70; p<0.001). Conclusion: Booklet-based exclusive breastfeeding counseling was associated with substantial improvements in knowledge and attitudes among third-trimester pregnant women. Because the study had no control group and measured immediate intermediate outcomes, controlled studies with postpartum follow-up are needed to determine effects on exclusive breastfeeding practice.