effect of mobile-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding experience of mothers: a quasi-experimental study

Introduction: breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child survival and health. in iran, over 50% of mothers face breastfeeding difficulties. the breastfeeding duration is related to the breastfeeding experience. objective: this study aimed to investigate the impact of mobile-based breastfeeding education on iranian mothers’ breastfeeding experiences. materials and methods: this quasi-experimental study included 81 nursing mothers selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method from selected comprehensive health centers in rasht, iran. using the block randomization method, they were allocated to the intervention group (n=41) and control group (n=40). data were collected using a demographic form and the breastfeeding experience scale (bes), completed 3-5 days after delivery by both groups. the intervention group received a breastfeeding app installed on their android mobile phones and were asked to read the educational content in the app for two months. after this period, both groups completed the bes again. independent t-test, chi-square test , mann–whitney u test, kruskal-wallis test, wilcoxon test, shapiro-wilks test and ancova were used to analyze the data. results: in the post-test phase, 81 women participated. the mean age of mothers and their spouses was 29.55±6.56 and 32.93±5.44, respectively. there were no significant differences in demographic, social, or reproductive characteristics between the two groups. the intervention group showed an increase in exclusive breastfeeding rate and a decrease in formula milk use for feeding. the total bes score in intervention and control groups after education was 27.93±7.43 and 32.88±9.89, respectively. the results of ancova showed a significant difference in the total bes score between the two groups after intervention (p=0.001, eta squared=0.196). regarding the type of infant feeding (exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding), the results showed a significant difference between the two groups after education (p=0.023). conclusion: mobile-based breastfeeding education can positively affect iranian mothers’ breastfeeding experience. therefore, healthcare providers in north of iran can utilize educational apps to promote exclusive breastfeeding in women.