A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Awareness Program on Knowledge and Practice Regarding MAA (Mother’s Absolute Affection) Programme Among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals

Introduction: The "Mothers' Absolute Affection" (MAA) program was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on August 5, 2016, to promote breastfeeding and provide counseling services. The initiative aims to strengthen breastfeeding support through health systems nationwide. Aims: This study aimed to assess postnatal mothers' knowledge and practice levels regarding the MAA program and to determine the correlation between knowledge and practice scores regarding the MAA program. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test study was conducted at Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha district. A total of 80 postnatal mothers participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and practice levels before and after the awareness session. The session, conducted by a trained nursing educator, lasted one hour and covered key aspects of breastfeeding, the benefits of the MAA program, and practical breastfeeding techniques. The pre-test was administered before the session, and the post-test was conducted seven days later to measure knowledge retention and behavioral change. A paired t-test was applied to compare pre-test and post-test knowledge and practice scores. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between knowledge scores and demographic factors. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationship between knowledge and practice scores. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants showed significant improvement in knowledge and practice after the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 5.825 (±2.27) to 8.55 (±1.61), with 49 (61.20%) achieving a fair level and 21 (26.20%) reaching a good level. The mean practice score improved from 1.67 (±1.17) to 3.71 (±1.04), with 67 (83.75%) attaining a good practice level. A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.286, p = 0.010). Significant associations were observed between knowledge scores and demographic factors such as age (p = 0.0001) and education level (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of the awareness program in enhancing knowledge and practice among postnatal mothers. Targeted educational interventions are essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes.