The effect of low-fidelity simulation training on breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy among young lactating mothers in Tanzania: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is of paramount importance for the survival, growth, and development of neonates. Lack of EBF puts mothers and their babies at high risk of many complications. Mothers may end up having breast engorgement, cracked nipple, mastitis, breast pain, and backache. Babies may acquire postnatal HIV transmission, reduce weight, stunting, poor cognitive and motor development, and increase the risk of diarrhea disease and respiratory infection. Breastfeeding training has been provided immediately after a women’s birth. However, young mothers are still staggering with breastfeeding. RESEARCH AIM: We aim to assess the effect of low-fidelity simulation training on breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy among young lactating mothers and we will also assess the impact of simulation on infants’ weight in Tanzania. METHODS: The study will be a health facility-based quasi-experimental design. The study will have four phases: baseline survey, intervention, immediate assessment, and two-month end-line follow-up. The assessment will focus on participants’ breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, infant weight will also be assessed during baseline and end-line. A total of 261 young lactating mothers who have first baby with their infants aged 0 to 2 months will be included, whereby 87 young lactating mothers will be in an interventional group and 174 will be in the control group. The intervention will have four packages: 1) group lecture education and interactive on the importance of breastfeeding 2) videos, 3) pictures, and 4) simulation in the umbrella LVPS using the wearable Lactation Simulation Model (LSM) and newborn manikins (Global Health Media and Laerdal baby). At the end of the study, all groups will be given education brochures which will be in the Swahili language for easy understanding. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23. An independent T-test and repeated measures ANOVA will be used in this study to compare the difference between the mean of the 2 groups. DISCUSSION: This study aims to generate evidence of the effect of simulation on improving breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy. We expect the study findings to inform the stakeholders and policymakers on formulating breastfeeding education and simulation training that will improve women’s breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy and improve infant health.