CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT04478682Updated Nov 29, 2021

Breastfeeding Support Provided to Mothers Through WhatsApp Messaging Application

An interventional study of Breastfeeding Support Provided to Mothers Through WhatsApp Messaging Application in Exclusive Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Support, sponsored by Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 49 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2021-11-29.

Sponsored by Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
150
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 49 Years
Sex
Female
01

Study summary

The research was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study in order to determine the effect of continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application on breastfeeding.

Research Hypotheses H0: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application has no effect on breastfeeding.

H1: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

H2: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the breastfeeding duration of the mothers.

H3: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the rate of mothers giving their babies other foods than breast milk.

H4: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces bottle feeding rates.

H5: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the rate of pacifier use.

H6: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the incidence of mothers' breastfeeding problems.

H7: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application affects mothers' breastfeeding attitude positively.

H8: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the motivation of breastfeeding mothers.

Read the detailed description

METHOD:

Place of the Research:

The data of the research will be collected in the postpartum service of Zeynep Kamil Women And Chıldren Dıseases Tranıng And Research Hospıtal in Istanbul. After then 6 months of follow-up will be continued trough WhatsApp application.

The Universe and the Sample of the Research:

The universe of the research; It will comprise primipa mothers and babies who are hospitalized in the postpartum ward of the specified dates, deliver vaginal or cesarean delivery, and meet the sample selection criteria.

The sample of the research was determined by statistic analysis by power analysis. Power analysis was performed by using G * Power (v3.1.7) program to determine the number of samples. The power of the study is expressed as 1-β (olasılığı = type II error probability) and research should generally have 80% power. According to Cohen's effect size coefficients; Assuming that the evaluations to be made between the two independent groups will have a medium effect size (d = 0.5), considering the fact that there should be at least 64 people in the groups and there may be losses in the working process, each group decided to recruit 70 people. 140 people in total. it is given. Computerized randomization method will be used in the research.

In the collection of research data; Mother and Newborn Data Collection Form Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form Breastfeeding Attitudes of The Evaluation Scale Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (PBMS) 5 data collection forms will be used.

Application of the research:

The researcher will briefly talk about the scope and content of the research by meeting with the mothers who meet the case selection criteria. Written consents will be obtained through the "Informed Volunteer Consent Form" asking mothers whether they want to participate in the study. Mothers who wish to participate in the study will be randomly determined by computer-assisted randomization method. Applications made after randomization will be carried out with the following steps; Experimental group; Information will be obtained from the mothers who agreed to participate in the study in line with the "Mother and Newborn Data Total Form", Mothers participating in the study will receive routine breastfeeding training at the hospital after birth, The breastfeeding attitude of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Attitude Scale", and the breastfeeding motivation of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale", In line with the needs of the mothers, breastfeeding support and motivation will be provided, In the first 1 month, basic standard information sharing (see "Basic Standard Information Sharing") will be made determined by the researcher. Later, information sharing will be made regarding the questions and problems of the mother, Individual breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp will continue for 6 months, Mothers will be contacted once a week through WhatsApp and feedback will be received on the breastfeeding process, The questions of the mother regarding breastfeeding will be answered by text / voice message or video call, In the postpartum period (day 7, day 15, month 1, month 2, month 4 and month 6) mothers will be called by phone. Breastfeeding conditions will be evaluated with "Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form".

Breastfeeding attitudes of the mothers will be assessed with the Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale" before breastfeeding education in hospital and through online survey at the 6th Month.

Breastfeeding motivations of the mothers will be assessed with the " Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale " through online survey at the 6th Month.

The mothers' satisfaction with the continuous breastfeeding support provided through WhatsApp will be evaluated with the "Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form" through online survey.

Basic Standard Information Sharing; New coronavirus (COVID-19) and breastfeeding Suggestion on breastfeeding (motivational-enhancing videos that emphasize breastfeeding is instinctive) The importance of breast milk (positive effects on mother and baby will be explained) Sharing of health institutions emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding (WHO, UNICEF, Ministry of Health) Milk production of breasts (Frequent breastfeeding will be supported by videos) Baby holding the breast (Mothers will be emphasized that the baby's sucking ability instinctively and will be supported with videos) Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding Reasons for breastfeeding only for the first 6 months Symptoms that show that the baby is sucking effectively Control Group; Information will be obtained from the mothers who agreed to participate in the study in line with the "Mother and Newborn Data Total Form", Mothers participating in the study will receive routine breastfeeding training at the hospital after birth, The breastfeeding attitude of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Attitude Scale", and the breastfeeding motivation of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale", In line with the needs of the mothers, breastfeeding support and motivation will be provided, In the postpartum period (day 7, day 15, month 1, month 2, month 4 and month 6) mothers will be called by phone. Breastfeeding conditions will be evaluated with "Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form".

Breastfeeding attitudes of the mothers will be assessed with the Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale" before breastfeeding education in hospital and through online survey at the 6th Month.

Breastfeeding motivations of the mothers will be assessed with the " Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale " through online survey at the 6th Month.

Analysis:

NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) program will be used for statistical analysis of the research. Statistical significance will be accepted as p \<0.05.

02

Conditions studied

  • Exclusive Breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding Support

Keywords

  • Breastfeeding support
  • Exclusive breastfeeding
  • WhatsApp messaging application
  • Motivation
  • Attitude
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital is the lead sponsor of 39 studies on the registry; 7 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 49 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

For the mother;

  • 18 years and older
  • Primipar,
  • Having healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated birth,
  • No health problems preventing breastfeeding (drug use, HIV, etc.),
  • Not having any obstacle to communication (not knowing Turkish, mental retardation etc.),
  • Being literate,
  • Having a smart phone and internet connection,
  • It was determined to be able to use WhatsApp application. For baby;
  • Being healthy and term
  • No health problems preventing breastfeeding (Esophageal atresia, cleft palate, cleft lip etc.)
  • Its weight is between 2500-4000 gr.
  • It was determined that the Apgar Score was above 7.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Mothers with multiple pregnancies,
  • Infants lying in NICU due to health problems in the postpartum period will be excluded from the scope of the research.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
150 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    WhatsApp Messaging Application

    Continuous breastfeeding support will be provided for the first 6 months through WhatsApp messaging application. Mothers will be contacted once a week through WhatsApp and feedback will be received on the breastfeeding process. The questions of the mother regarding breastfeeding will be answered by text / voice message or video call.

    Other: Breastfeeding Support Provided to Mothers Through WhatsApp Messaging Application

  • No intervention
    Standard breastfeeding support

    She will receive standard breastfeeding support after delivery. Breastfeeding will not receive continuous breastfeeding support for the first 6 months after discharge.

Interventions

  • OtherBreastfeeding Support Provided to Mothers Through WhatsApp Messaging Application

    Breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application will be maintained for the first 6 months after birth. In the first 1 month, standard information sharing will be made through whatsApp. Also, for the first 6 months, solutions generating shares will be made according to the problems and questions of the mother regarding breastfeeding.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding Attitudes of The Evaluation Scale

    This scale assesses various aspects of attitudes that direct mothers' breastfeeding behavior. Examines breastfeeding as behavior. The scale is a five-point Likert type consisting of 46 items, easy to apply, and which people can answer on their own, and it can be applied to all mothers. Some items in the scale (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 42, 43) As a positive attitude, I agree with the statement "I totally disagree" to 4-3-2-1-0, while some items (1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 (22, 25, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46) are considered negative, and the opposite score is scored as 0-1-2-3-4 from the statement entirely agree. In this way, the total score that can be obtained from the scale is between 0 and 184. As the score increases, breastfeeding attitude is evaluated as positive.

    Time frame: In our study, will be applied before breastfeeding education in hospital and through online survey at postpartum 6th months for both groups

  2. Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (PBMS)

    This scale evaluates postpartum breastfeeding motivation level in primiparous. The scale consists of 24 items in total. After applying to the sample group, the factor analysis of the scale was made and it was determined to have 5 factors. 1. Intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation 2. Identified regulation 3. Mirrored editing External regulation is examined in two sub-dimensions: 4. External regulation (instrumental needs) 5. External regulation (baby health) Scale items are rated from 1 = Never disagree to 4 = Strongly agree. The scale is in 4-point Likert type, and each item is scored between 1-4. The scale does not have a total score. The score of the sub-dimensions is calculated by taking the average of the scale sub-dimension scores. As the score obtained from the sub-dimension of the scale increases, the motivation representing that sub-dimension increases.

    Time frame: at postpartum 6th months through online survey for both groups

  3. Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form

    Evaluates the satisfaction of mothers from breastfeeding support provided through WhatsApp messaging application. It is a form consisting of 10 questions by the researcher to evaluate the satisfaction of the mothers from the breastfeeding support given through the social media group (WhatsApp) by making use of the literature information. The answer to each question will be evaluated as yes / no. In the tenth question, he will be asked to score the application. There will be a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 points.

    Time frame: at postpartum 6th months through online survey for only experimental group

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Zeynep Kamil Women And Chıldren Dıseases Tranıng And Research Hospıtal
    İstanbul, Üsküdar 34660, Turkey
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Balaguer Martinez JV, Valcarce Perez I, Esquivel Ojeda JN, Hernandez Gil A, Martin Jimenez MDP, Bernad Albareda M. [Telephone support for breastfeeding by primary care: a randomised multicentre trial]. An Pediatr (Engl Ed). 2018 Dec;89(6):344-351. doi: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2018.02.007. Epub 2018 Mar 22. Spanish. PubMed 29576447 ↗
  • Reiss K, Andersen K, Barnard S, Ngo TD, Biswas K, Smith C, Carpenter J, Church K, Nuremowla S, Pearson E. Using automated voice messages linked to telephone counselling to increase post-menstrual regulation contraceptive uptake and continuation in Bangladesh: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2017 Oct 3;17(1):769. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4703-z. PubMed 28974209 ↗
  • Simonetti V, Palma E, Giglio A, Mohn A, Cicolini G. A structured telephonic counselling to promote the exclusive breastfeeding of healthy babies aged zero to six months: a pilot study. Int J Nurs Pract. 2012 Jun;18(3):289-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-172X.2012.02040.x. PubMed 22621300 ↗
  • Cavalcanti DS, Cabral CS, de Toledo Vianna RP, Osorio MM. Online participatory intervention to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding: Randomized clinical trial. Matern Child Nutr. 2019 Jul;15(3):e12806. doi: 10.1111/mcn.12806. Epub 2019 Apr 11. PubMed 30825414 ↗
  • Kapinos K, Kotzias V, Bogen D, Ray K, Demirci J, Rigas MA, Uscher-Pines L. The Use of and Experiences With Telelactation Among Rural Breastfeeding Mothers: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2019 Sep 3;21(9):e13967. doi: 10.2196/13967. PubMed 31482848 ↗
  • Durmaz S, Ergin I, Durusoy R, Hassoy H, Caliskan A, Okyay P. WhatsApp embedded in routine service delivery for smoking cessation: effects on abstinence rates in a randomized controlled study. BMC Public Health. 2019 Apr 8;19(1):387. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6727-z. PubMed 30961557 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Nov 29, 2021, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT04478682
Lead sponsor
Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital
Responsible party
Sevda KORKUT ÖKSÜZ (Research Assistant, Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jul 21, 2020
Start date
Dec 1, 2020
Primary completion
Feb 28, 2021
Completion
Sep 1, 2021
Last update
Nov 29, 2021

Study contacts

Sevda KORKUT ÖKSÜZ, R.A
principal investigator · Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Nov 2021. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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