Effectiveness of WDEP-Based Reality Counseling on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Pregnant Women Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding at Air Dingin Public Health Center, Padang, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/ijbb.2025.v03i01.003Abstract
ABSTRACT
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as providing only breast milk without any additional food or drink for the first six months of life. Despite its proven benefits for infant growth, development, and disease prevention, global coverage of EBF remains suboptimal. In Indonesia, although coverage has reached 68.6%, this figure still falls short of the national target. Limited family support, particularly from husbands, as well as suboptimal maternal knowledge, attitudes, and behavior contribute to this issue. Therefore, a family-based counseling approach, such as WDEP-based reality counseling, is needed.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of WDEP-based reality counseling in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of pregnant women regarding exclusive breastfeeding. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted at Air Dingin Public Health Center, Padang, Indonesia, from December 2024 to February 2025. A total of 50 third-trimester pregnant women were selected using purposive sampling and divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received WDEP-based reality counseling involving family members, while the control group received standard antenatal counseling. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires measuring knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior compared to the control group (p < 0.05).WDEP-based reality counseling is effective in improving pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding exclusive breastfeeding. Integrating family-based counseling into antenatal care programs is recommended to improve breastfeeding outcomes.
Keywords:
exclusive breastfeeding; reality counseling; WDEP; knowledge; attitudes; behaviorReferences
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