Evaluating the Effectiveness of Health Education Intervention on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among First-Time Mothers in Jere LGA, Borno State of Nigeria: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Test–Post-Test Study

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains suboptimal in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings such as Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, where insecurity, population displacement, disrupted health services, and entrenched sociocultural norms undermine optimal infant feeding practices. First-time mothers are particularly vulnerable to misinformation and limited access to skilled breastfeeding support. A quasi-experimental single-group pre-test–post-test study was conducted among 100 first-time mothers in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State. Baseline data on EBF knowledge and practices were collected using a structured WHO/UNICEF-adapted questionnaire. Participants received a structured, theory-informed health education intervention delivered through interactive sessions. Post-intervention assessment was conducted three months after the intervention. Paired t-tests and McNemar’s chi-square tests were used to assess changes in knowledge and practices, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. At baseline, although 91% of mothers had initiated breastfeeding, only 19% practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Following the intervention, the proportion of mothers practicing EBF increased to 81%. Mean knowledge scores improved significantly from 60.0 ± 15.0 at baseline to 85.0 ± 10.0 post-intervention (p < 0.001). The health education intervention was associated with significant improvements in exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among first-time mothers in this conflict-affected humanitarian setting. Integrating structured breastfeeding education into routine maternal health services, even within fragile and resource-constrained contexts, may strengthen EBF outcomes in similar humanitarian emergencies.