Use of Drama for Improving Breastfeeding Initiation, Exclusive Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy among Rural Pregnant Women from Selected Communities in Two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) is a key variable that enhances exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and promotes positive health outcomes for infants and their mothers. To increase BFSE and EBF of mothers, numerous interventions targeting prenatal and postnatal periods have been developed. However, there is paucity of studies utilizing drama interventions for improving BFSE and EBF. Objectives: This study assessed the effect of drama usage on breastfeeding self-efficacy, initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding of pregnant women in rural communities in Lagelu and Egbeda Local Government Areas (LGAs). Methodology: A quasi-experimental designed was carried out with pregnant women in their second trimester. Selected communities from Lagelu and Egbeda LGAs were randomized into experimental and control groups. A total of 200 pregnant women (100 experimental and 100 control groups) were enlisted as well as followed-up at one, three, and six months after giving birth. Six-session program comprising four episodes of drama and two sessions on hygiene practices were presented to experimental groups in the communities prior to delivery, while the control group received only hygiene talk. An electronic questionnaire (ODK) was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, BFSE, initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding during prenatal and postnatal periods. BSFE score was categorized as low (14–32), average (33–51), and high (52–70). Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyzed data α0.05. Results: The experimental and control mean ages were 28.40 ±6.50 and 27.00±6.20 respectively. Average and high BSE pre-intervention (11.0%; 89.0% and 9.0%; 91.0%) and six months post-intervention (97.3%;100% and 95.2%; 95%) for intervention and control. Age, marital status and occupation were predictors of BFSE (R 2 = 22.3; p<0.001) Conclusion: Experimental women had an increase in BFSE, initiation, and EBF practice compared to control women.