The Effect of WhatsApp-Based Education and Counseling on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Body Satisfaction, Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors, and Weight Retention in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Post Partum; Breast Feeding; Postpartum Period; Body Image; Health Behavior; Weight Change

• Registration Number: NCT07185906
• Lead Sponsor: Inonu University

Brief Summary

Brief Summary:

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of WhatsApp-based education and counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy, body satisfaction, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and weight retention in postpartum women. The study was conducted between January and March 2025 at four Family Health Centers in Siirt, Turkey. A total of 120 postpartum women were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an 11-week WhatsApp-based education program, including short videos and counseling sessions prepared under the guidance of the Health Promotion Model. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months using validated instruments: the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, the Body Satisfaction Scale, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. The primary outcomes were breastfeeding self-efficacy and body satisfaction, while secondary outcomes included healthy lifestyle behaviors and postpartum weight retention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving maternal health outcomes during the postpartum period.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-06
• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-06-30
• Study Completion: 2025-07-30
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-15
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-15
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-22
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 86

Inclusion Criteria

• • Women in the postpartum period (within the first week after delivery)

  • Aged 18-49 years
  • Able to read and understand Turkish
  • Owning a smartphone with internet access and WhatsApp installed
  • Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Women with medical complications that prevent breastfeeding (e.g., serious maternal illness, contraindications to breastfeeding)

  • Infants with conditions that prevent breastfeeding (e.g., congenital anomalies affecting sucking or swallowing)
  • Women with severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments that may interfere with participation
  • Women who do not agree to participate or withdraw consent during the study

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy,	Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum	The Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale will be used to assess mothers' confidence and self-efficacy in breastfeeding practices. Changes in mean scores between groups and over time will be evaluated.
Body Satisfaction	Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum	The Body Satisfaction Scale will be used to measure mothers' satisfaction with their body image during the postpartum period. Changes in scores across intervention and control groups will be compared.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors	Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum	Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors will be measured using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Total and subscale scores (nutrition, physical activity, stress management, interpersonal relations, health responsibility, and spiritual growth) will be analyzed.
Postpartum Weight Retention	Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum	Postpartum weight retention will be calculated by subtracting the pre-pregnancy weight from the mother's postpartum weight at each measurement time. Changes will be compared between intervention and control groups.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

): Inonu University, Faculty of Health Sciences; Siirt, Siirt, Turkey (Türkiye)