RESEARCH PROPOSAL: METHODOLOGY PART II 2
Abstract
Statistical data analysis is an important component to the research proposal. It provides answers
and insight into the data. It is a means to evaluate and measure uncertainty or hypothesis.
Utilizing data analysis to predict a correlation between prenatal breastfeeding education and
breastfeeding duration is the topic of this proposal. Using data analysis will help organize and
interpret if the connection is true.
Keywords: statistics, data analysis, breastfeeding education
RESEARCH PROPOSAL: METHODOLOGY PART II 3
Research Proposal: Methodology Part II
This research proposal seeks to find a correlation between prenatal breastfeeding
education and self-efficacy, initiation, and duration of breastfeeding to three months. The aim of
this research is to begin conversations about the type of education given in the prenatal period,
mainly 32-36 weeks gestation and to improve instruction where needed. This proposal will show
that providing a means to help mothers gain confidence in their breastfeeding knowledge and
skills will improve infant and maternal health by ensuring breastfeeding success.
Data Analysis
The process of analysis will be through independent samples t-test. The groups are
independent from each other, one being the intervention group the other the control group (Main,
2016). Measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to evaluate any changes
observed among the two groups pre and post intervention. Use of SPSS statistical software will
be utilized, and statistical significance is set at p<0.05 (Iliadou et al., 2018). Demographically
there will be minimal differences between the two group therefore the results will not be skewed
(Abuidhail et al., 2019). Using a binary logistic regression model, the dependent variable will be
how long breastfeeding lasted and the independent variable will be sociodemographic. This will
show that breastfeeding duration along with mother’s level of knowledge, residence and
education are independent to each other (Jasny et al., 2019).
Anticipated Results
How does prenatal breastfeeding education impact a mother’s decision to
breastfeed and continue to breastfeed for three months versus no prenatal breastfeeding
education? The anticipated result of prenatal breastfeeding education will have positive effect on
breastfeeding initiation and duration. Women who attend prenatal breastfeeding classes will have
RESEARCH PROPOSAL: METHODOLOGY PART II 4
marked increase in breastfeeding to three months of age compared to the control group who did
not receive the prenatal education. All women in the intervention group will initiate
breastfeeding after birth. More than 50% will still be breastfeeding of some degree at three
months. The variables between prenatal breastfeeding education and the initiation and
maintenance of breastfeeding should show that when education begins between 32-36 weeks of
pregnancy the mother begins breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum phase and continues to
at least three months of life. The women who attend the prenatal breastfeeding classes will have
a significant increase in breastfeeding success to at least three months when compared to
controlled group. Mothers will show a significant increase in self-efficacy and confidence. They
will be able to verbalize correct latch, positioning, understanding of milk-supply, and face
concerns with knowledge and confidence (Iliadou et al., 2018). Before intervention, both groups
showed no signs of differences in breastfeeding knowledge, attitude or barriers. Yet, after
delivery the intervention group will show an improvement in self-efficacy. The control group
will remain the same (Iliadou et al., 2018).
Strengths
A strength in this study is that information is fairly easy to obtain from the subjects. They
all attend the same obstetric group and will deliver at the same hospital making gathering the
initial interview, informed consent and education classes easier to schedule. Focusing on the one
intervention, prenatal breastfeeding education, decreases unrelated variables. Due to the nature of
gathering information, the women will be contacted and questioned at two, four and six weeks,
and two and three months postpartum. This not only allows for the interview to be conducted but
also benefits the new mother to ask questions and to be directed to their provider if medical
intervention is needed.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL: METHODOLOGY PART II 5
Weaknesses
A key weakness to this study is that the control group did not receive the breastfeeding
education in the weeks leading up to delivery which if this study is correct will jeopardize the
success of breastfeeding and duration in the control group. Another limitation will be that the
interviews will be conducted via phone and not face to face . Participants come from one OB
group and hospital which could limit the generalizability of the results (Iliadou et al., 2018). This
study did not explore breastfeeding outcomes among race or ethnicity. A study conducted as
such may prove to be useful to determine need for interventions and allow planning if the need is
apparent (Su et al., 2007).
Suggestions for Further Research
Once the research has resulted a process can be established to develop a standardization
in breastfeeding education that obstetric offices and hospitals can adopt nationwide. The
education can be tailor made to the different types of populations and may encourage a
nationwide increase in breastfeeding success that could span generations (Parry et al., 2018).
Research regarding both prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding education as collective
instruction would be another avenue of study that may increase breastfeeding success and
duration (Su et al., 2007).
Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for growth and development of infants.
Finding a way to extend the time of breastfeeding is vital if we are to meet the World Health
Organization’s goal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months (Breastfeeding, 2020). It is a
tremendous blessing to serve God in this capacity to ensure mothers are knowledgeable and
confident in how they feed their infants. Protecting the most vulnerable in this one avenue of life
RESEARCH PROPOSAL: METHODOLOGY PART II 7
References
Abuidhail, J., Mrayan, L., & Jaradat, D. (2019). Evaluating effects of prenatal web-based
breastfeeding education for pregnant mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy:
Prospective randomized control trial. Midwifery, 69, 143–149.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2018.11.015
Breastfeeding. (2020). World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
Iliadou, M., Lykeridou, K., Prezerakos, P., Swift, E., & Tziaferi, S. (2018). Measuring the
effectiveness of a midwife-led education programme in terms of breastfeeding knowledge
and self-efficacy, attitudes towards breastfeeding, and perceived barriers of breastfeeding
among pregnant women. Materia Socio Medica, 30(4), 240.
https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2018.30.240-245
Jasny, E., Amor, H., & Baali, A. (2019). Mothers’ knowledge and intentions of breastfeeding in
marrakech, morocco. Archives de Pédiatrie, 26(5), 285–289.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcped.2019.05.007
Main, M. E. (2016, December). Common statistical tests and interpretation in nursing research.
TopSCHOLAR®. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijfcn/vol2/iss3/2
Parry, K. C., Tully, K. P., Hopper, L. N., Schildkamp, P. E., & Labbok, M. H. (2018). Evaluation
of ready, set, baby: A prenatal breastfeeding education and counseling approach. Birth,
46(1), 113–120. https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12393
Su, L.-L., Chong, Y.-S., Chan, Y.-H., Chan, Y.-S., Fok, D., Tun, K.-T., Ng, F. P., & Rauff, M.
(2007). Antenatal education and postnatal support strategies for improving rates of
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exclusive breast feeding: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 335(7620), 596.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39279.656343.55
Weihs, C., & Ickstadt, K. (2018). Data science: The impact of statistics. International Journal of
Data Science and Analytics, 6(3), 189–194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41060-018-0102-5
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