THE EFFECT OF FACE TO FACE EDUCATION AND PAMPHLET GIVING ON KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS ABOUT BREAST FEEDING

Breast feeding is very useful for child, mother and community. Breast milk is superior to other milks in composition, amount of food, emotional effects, and protective factors. This study aimed to assess the effect of face to face education and pamphlet giving on mothers’ knowledge about breast feeding in Khoy. In this quasi experimental study, 105 mothers were included in the study by convenience sampling method, then they were allocated into three groups. Intervention was carried out by face to face education in one group, and by pamphlet giving in the other group. The control group did not receive any intervention, and they received routine hospital services. Data collection tool was a questionnaire containing demographic questions and knowledge questions. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 14. The mean age of samples was 25.9 ± 4.93. The majority (30.5%) of them were undergraduate (high school diploma), 71.4% working at home, and 61.9% had a natural child- bearing process. Mothers in intervention groups had more knowledge than control group. The face to face education was the most effective method. There was no significant statistical relationship between mother's knowledge and their age, job, educational level and child birth order. Since the educational methods could improve the mothers’ knowledge about breast feeding and according to results the face to face education method was more effective, so it is highly recommended to use proper and cost benefit methods to improve mothers’ knowledge and continuing breast feeding.