Assessing the impact of a health worker training program on early initiation of breastfeeding among healthcare workers in selected hospitals of Dharwad district, Karnataka: A pilot study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the Impact of a Health Worker Training Program on Early Initiation of Breastfeeding among Healthcare Workers in Selected Hospitals of Dharwad District, Karnataka. Methods: Pilot study utilized a quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-post intervention design to evaluate the impact of a Health Worker Training Program (HWTP) on early initiation of breastfeeding among healthcare workers in selected hospitals of Dharwad District, Karnataka. A total of 10 healthcare workers, both male and female, with degrees or diplomas in nursing or auxiliary nurse midwifery (ANM) training, were purposively sampled. Data were collected before and after the HWTP intervention to assess changes in breastfeeding initiation practices. The independent variable was the HWTP, and the dependent variable was the early initiation of breastfeeding. Demographic data such as age, gender, religion, habitat, family income, educational status, and prior breastfeeding training were also gathered. Healthcare workers not present during data collection were excluded. Results: Knowledge scores significantly improved post-intervention, with 70% demonstrating good knowledge compared to 10% pre-intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 10.13 (SD = 5.40) to 18.8 (SD = 5.13), with a mean difference of 8.7 (t = 27.54, p< 0.05). Practice scores also showed improvement, with 40% having good practice post-intervention compared to none pre-intervention. The mean practice score rose from 6.13 (SD = 5.40) to 11.8 (SD = 3.13), with a mean difference of 5.67 (t = 21.54, p< 0.05). No significant association was found between the pre-test knowledge and practice scores and any demographic variables. Conclusion: The Health Worker Training Program (HWTP) significantly improved both the knowledge and practice of early initiation of breastfeeding among healthcare workers in selected hospitals of Dharwad District, Karnataka. Post-intervention, there was a marked increase in the number of participants with good knowledge and practice scores. However, no significant associations were found between the pre-test scores and the socio-demographic variables. This suggests that the training program was effective across diverse groups of healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of targeted educational interventions in enhancing breastfeeding practices.