Özet:

Objective: The study aimed to examine the effect of the Breastfeeding Counseling Course on students' false beliefs about breastfeeding. Methods: The population of the semi-experimental study consisted of total 395 midwifery and nursing students who participated in the breastfeeding counseling course (participated in BCC = 244) and who did not (not participated BCC= 151). Data was collected with a questionnaire in which false beliefs about breastfeeding were questioned. The differences between the two groups were evaluated with chi-square and t tests. Result: Students who both participated and did not participate in EDD mostly confirmed the myth that “The reasons for insufficient milk production are fatigue (73.5%) and insufficient fluid and nutrient intake (94%)” by saying “I agree”. The average score of the students in the experimental group who stated “I disagree” with the false beliefs were 37.24±8.87 and the control group was 21.92±7.76. The differences between two groups were significant at (p<0.000). Conclusion: False beliefs about breastfeeding were widespread among students, and the breastfeeding counselling course was effective in reducing false beliefs about breastfeeding. In order to promote the best breastfeeding practices in the society, and to correct the taboos and myths, first of all, the taboos and myths of health professionals should be corrected. Therefore, breastfeeding counseling course should be a part of pre- and post-graduate vocational training of health workers.

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