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

NCT07185906 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IU-SBE-FB-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 86
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

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

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy,

  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.

  Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum

• Body Satisfaction

  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.

  Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors

  Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum

• Postpartum Weight Retention

  Baseline, 3 months postpartum, 6 months postpartum

Study Arms (2)

Experimental: WhatsApp-based Education and Counseling

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive an 8-week WhatsApp-based education and counseling program in addition to routine postpartum care. The intervention includes short educational videos, weekly messages, and feedback provided through WhatsApp. Content covers breastfeeding techniques, recognition of infant hunger cues, milk expression and storage, management of common breastfeeding problems, healthy nutrition, body satisfaction, and postpartum weight management.

Behavioral: education

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants receive routine postpartum care provided by Family Health Centers. They do not receive any structured WhatsApp-based education or counseling.

Interventions

education BEHAVIORAL

WhatsApp-based training was provided

Experimental: WhatsApp-based Education and Counseling

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 49 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only postpartum women are eligible to participate in this study.
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Inonu University: lead

Study Sites (1)

): Inonu University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Siirt, Siirt, 56100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Links

• Related Info

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding; Health Behavior; Body Weight Changes

Interventions

Educational Status

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding Behavior; Behavior; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Socioeconomic Factors; Population Characteristics

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD Candidate in Women's Health and Diseases Nursing

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups in a parallel design.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 15, 2025
• First Posted: September 22, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2025
• Study Completion: July 30, 2025
• Last Updated: September 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2024-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)