Critical Appraisal of a Research Study

Reliability of Results 

The results of the study are reliable. The study was a quasi-experimental study design. This means that the participants were not randomly assigned to the intervention groups. The participants were not blinded to the study interventions. However, credibility was ensured by ensuring that the participants met the inclusion criteria. Changes in the participant’s situation due to the termination of pregnancy or migration from the study area resulted in the expulsion from the study. Selection bias was prevented by using the same sampling procedure for the control and intervention samples. The research analysts were blinded to the sampling and intervention (Bich & Cuong, 2017). 

Results/ Data Analysis 

The intervention was large enough as it contained several components that aided in enhancing the dissemination of information on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). These components were mass-media communication, posters, individual and group counseling, and public address systems, among others. Using many components ensured that the intervention reached all the study participants. All the participants in the intervention group received the same education and information on antenatal and postnatal care and support for their partners as well as EBF. This means that the intervention was precise (Bich & Cuong, 2017). 

Clinical Application of Findings 

The findings of the study are feasible as they present a rational understanding of how fathers influence the duration of breastfeeding among their partners. The results show that educating the fathers on antenatal and postpartum care for their partners improves their understanding of the importance of EBF for six months. This increases the proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfeed to six months compared with the control group. The study is thus feasible as the intervention can be practically applied to partners in the clinical setting. The study, however, fails to mention clinical outcomes associated with increased EBF for six months. 

Relevance to PICO Question 

The study is only partially relevant in answering my research question. The PICO question focuses on the importance of prenatal breastfeeding education to mothers, whereas the study focuses on breastfeeding intervention education to fathers. The study intervention can, however, be used to develop the interventions for conducting education to mothers in addressing my research question. 

Objectives 

The primary objective is to determine how prenatal breastfeeding education to mothers compared to educating both parents affects the rates of EBF. 

The secondary objectives are to evaluate the effective interventions for conducting prenatal breastfeeding education and to determine the role of fathers in influencing EBF rates. 

Summary of Main Results 

At the end of the study, participants in the intervention group demonstrated higher general knowledge on the importance of EBF in comparison to the participant in the control group. This knowledge included the correct understanding of EBF. The attitude of fathers in the intervention group toward breastfeeding and their breastfeeding partners was more favorable. Paternal attitudes toward 6-months EBF was more favorable in comparison to the intervention group (Bich & Cuong, 2017). Improved knowledge and favorable attitudes resulted in a higher number of fathers taking care of and supporting their partners before and during breastfeeding 

Completeness and Applicability of Evidence 

The study complements related studies on the importance of prenatal and post-partum education to fathers in ensuring EBF for six months. The literature is backed by approved studies conducted independently in different settings. This enhances the credibility of the evidence. The evidence is presented in comprehensively in tables indicating the percentages of the results in the control and intervention groups. The study outcomes can be used to develop guidelines for evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical use. Given that the intervention used relates to the normal life aspects of couples in society, it is easy to extrapolate the findings into further studies that evaluate the factors that influence EBF for six months. 

Potential Biases in the Review Process 

The review focused on the outcomes of the intervention without considering the process of the research. This includes cost implications and cost-benefit analysis. While the study outcomes may have been effective in meeting the objectives and hypothesis of the study, the costs might have been unsustainable. This bias does not accurately inform future related studies. Confirmation bias might have also arisen in trying to prove that the study outcomes were the expected results. 

Strengths and Weaknesses 

The strength of the study is the large number of participants involved. The sample size, coupled with the stringent selection and inclusion criteria enhances the credibility of the results. The limitation of the study is the wide range of gestational period of the participants (7 to 30 weeks) (Bich & Cuong, 2017). This wide range meant that the participants were unequally exposed to the intervention. Also, the study relied on self-reported data, which might have created bias or inaccurate conclusion. 

Lessons Learned 

From the study, it can be deduced that education on EFB for six months and support for breastfeeding mothers significantly influences the attitudes and consequently, the duration of EBF. Inappropriate breastfeeding habits and shorter or the lack of EBF often arises due to ignorance from one or both parents. 

Recommendations 

Further randomized cross-sectional studies, clinical trials, or experimental studies that evaluate the impact of educating one or both partners on breastfeeding habits and attitudes have to be conducted to substantiate the findings of this study. A health education model that targets mothers and their role in EBF should be developed and compared with the model that focuses on fathers. 

Conclusion 

The knowledge of breastfeeding habits and attitudes to breastfeeding are important factors that influence the nature and duration of EBF. Failure to adhere to the World Health Organization guidelines of 6 months EBF often arises due to the lack of paternal support or misguided information. A proper education model on the importance of adhering to the WHO guidelines, the need to develop a positive attitude and support for breastfeeding partners are imperative in ensuring a higher rate of EBF for six months. 

Reference 

Bich, T. H., & Cuong, N. M. (2017). Changes in knowledge, attitude, and involvement of fathers in supporting exclusive breastfeeding: a community-based intervention study in a rural area of Vietnam.  International journal of public health ,  62 (1), 17-26.