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Effect of Breastfeeding Support App on the knowledge and practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Selected Health Facilities in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors
Rebecca Oluwaseun Oke, RN, RM, RPHN, RME, BNSc, MSc, MEd, PhD.
Corresponding author:
Dr. Rebecca Oluwaseun Oke
(ORCiD No: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7216-2912)
E-mail: rebeccoye@yahoo.com
Phone Number: +2348032110925; +2348060186795
ONLINE ISSN: 2645-2936
PRINT ISSN: 0795 – 6541
Editor-in-chief
Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma O. Ehiemere
University of Nigeria
Editorial Secretary
Dr. Goodluck I. Nshi
Aspen University, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Assistant Editorial Secretary
Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Institutional Affiliation(s)
University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
Citation
Oke, O.O. (2026). Effect of Breastfeeding Support App on the knowledge and practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Selected Health Facilities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The Nursing Scope, 9(1), 58 - 73. ISSN: 2645-2936 (Online); 0795–6541 (Print). https://doi.org/10.59073/thenursingscope91/58-73
Keywords
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a proven strategy for improving infant survival, reducing infectious diseases, and promoting maternal health. Despite widespread awareness, EBF rates remain suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries. Digital health interventions offer promising approaches for improving breastfeeding outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Breastfeeding Support Application (BFSAPP), a structured mobile health intervention designed to enhance maternal knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
Aim: To determine the effect of the Breastfeeding Support Application (BFSAPP) on mothers’ knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among women attending selected health facilities in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted among pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks’ gestation attending antenatal clinics in two tertiary healthcare facilities. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group that received BFSAPP plus routine antenatal care (n = 72) or a control group that received routine care only (n = 72). Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire at baseline, six weeks postpartum, and six months postpartum. Analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle.
Results: At baseline, knowledge of EBF was comparable between groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher mean knowledge scores (98.7 ± 4.0) compared with the control group (88.1 ± 12.1; p < 0.001). Good knowledge was observed in 100% of intervention participants versus 83.1% in the control group. At six months postpartum, good EBF practice was reported by 87.1% of mothers in the intervention group compared with 54.9% in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean practice score was also significantly higher among intervention participants (87.9 ± 12.7 vs. 74.6 ± 19.5).
Conclusion: The BFSAPP significantly improved maternal knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding compared with routine antenatal counseling alone. Mobile health interventions represent effective, scalable tools for strengthening breastfeeding support in resource-limited settings.
Recommendation: Integration of digital breastfeeding support applications into antenatal and postnatal care programs is recommended to enhance exclusive breastfeeding uptake and improve maternal and child health outcomes.