Abstract
Aim:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of theorical education, standardized patients, and high-fidelity mannequins in improving nursing students’ breastfeeding counseling skills.
Design and Methods:
A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in a nursing faculty in Türkiye with final-year students who had completed women’s and child health courses. A total of 157 final-year nursing students participated. Students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (theoretical education), standardized patient training, or high-fidelity mannequin-based simulation. Data were collected at three time points using four measurement tools. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for analysis.
Results:
Both simulation groups scored significantly higher than the control group in knowledge and preparedness (p < 0.001). The highest self-efficacy and counseling scores were observed in the high-fidelity simulation group. No significant difference was found between the two simulation groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Innovative, hands-on educational strategies can enhance clinical competence in breastfeeding counseling and contribute to improved postpartum maternal and infant care quality.
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