The Effect of WhatsApp-Based Education and Counseling on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Body Satisfaction, Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors, and Weight Retention in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Summary: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of WhatsApp-based education and counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy, body satisfaction, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and weight retention in postpartum women. The study was conducted between January and March 2025 at four Family Health Centers in Siirt, Turkey. A total of 120 postpartum women were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an 11-week WhatsApp-based education program, including short videos and counseling sessions prepared under the guidance of the Health Promotion Model. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months using validated instruments: the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, the Body Satisfaction Scale, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. The primary outcomes were breastfeeding self-efficacy and body satisfaction, while secondary outcomes included healthy lifestyle behaviors and postpartum weight retention. The findings are expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving maternal health outcomes during the postpartum period.