The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding education provided using the digital storytelling method on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 216 postpartum women participated in the study, including 108 women in the intervention group and 108 women in the control group. The intervention group received breastfeeding education based on the digital storytelling method, while the control group received routine breastfeeding education provided in the hospital. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success were evaluated after the intervention.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important factors affecting maternal and infant health. Educational interventions may improve breastfeeding outcomes by increasing mothers' confidence and knowledge regarding breastfeeding practices. Digital storytelling is an innovative educational approach that combines visual, audio, and narrative elements to improve learning experiences. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of digital storytelling-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success among postpartum women. The study was carried out between September 2024 and December 2025 in the postpartum unit of Etlik City Hospital. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group receiving digital storytelling-based breastfeeding education or a control group receiving standard breastfeeding education. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool. The findings of the study are expected to contribute to the development of innovative breastfeeding education strategies and support evidence-based maternal health practices.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
216
Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale is a 33-item scale originally developed by Dennis in 1999. Subsequently, in 2003, she developed the Short Form of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale by reducing it to 14 items. It is a 5-point Likert-type scale. Scores range from a minimum of 14 to a maximum of 70; higher scores indicate greater breastfeeding self-efficacy. Dennis states that the scale is suitable for use during the postpartum period. Aluş Tokat, Okumuş, and Dennis conducted a reliability and validity study of the Turkish version of the short-form scale; they determined it to be suitable for the Turkish culture, finding a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after breastfeeding education
Breastfeeding Success
It is a scale developed by Ingram et al. in 1998 to assess the breastfeeding process. Its Turkish validity and reliability were established by Dolgun et al. in 2018, yielding a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.77. The scale evaluates breastfeeding across four main categories: positioning, latching, observable sucking ability, and maternal comfort. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, resulting in a total possible score of 8. Higher scores indicate greater breastfeeding success. The BBAT is designed for use in breastfeeding support and education programs, serving as a tool for healthcare professionals and mothers to assess the breastfeeding process.
Time frame: 5 and 12 hours after breastfeeding education
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