Effectiveness of an Intervention to Improve Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes Among Fifth-grade Children in Brazil

Abstract

This cluster-randomized trial evaluated the effectiveness and residual effect of an educational intervention to improve breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among fifth grade children of both sexes in Brazil. Schools were considered clusters and analysis of variance was used to compare an intervention group (n = 298) and a control group (n = 253) regarding knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs about breastfeeding before and after the intervention, measured through a standardized 25-item, multiple-choice questionnaire. The scores in the intervention group improved significantly, with the effect lasting at least 3 months. The intervention had greater impact on girls and on students between 9 and 11 years of age when compared with boys and students between 12 and 17 years old and also between students from public schools. Results suggest that pro-breastfeeding interventions in schools improve breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes. J Hum Lact. 25(3):325-332.

Keywords

breastfeeding intervention programs promotion school-age children

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