Cureus, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Introduction Breastfeeding is critical for infant health, offering numerous physical, emotional, and developmental benefits. However, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal globally, including in the Philippines, due to misinformation, cultural misconceptions, inadequate healthcare support. Nursing students, as future providers, play a pivotal role promoting practices. This study explores use of LactApp, mobile health (m-Health) tool, enhance nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, practices regarding breastfeeding. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, consisting two phases. In Phase 1, 135 students from second, third, fourth years completed pre-test survey assess their After utilizing LactApp tool three months during clinical placements, participants post-test evaluate changes these areas. Quantitative data, assessments tool's effectiveness barriers its use, were analyzed using paired t-tests. 2, subset participated semi-structured interviews explore experiences perceptions LactApp. Qualitative data through thematic analysis identify key themes insights. Results The surveys indicated significant improvements after revealed that found easy valuable supporting work. some technological issues resistance mothers, identified. Students also expressed positive incorporating digital tools, like into curricula. Conclusion effectively enhanced knowledge integration m-Health tools education shows promise bridging gaps empowering support mothers effectively. Future research should focus on overcoming expanding curricula improve maternal child outcomes.

Language: Английский