Clinical Research Directory

Effect of a Breastfeeding Chatbot on Mothers' Breastfeeding Attitudes, Behaviors, and Self-Efficacy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot developed to address breastfeeding problems on mothers' breastfeeding attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy. The study will also assess exclusive breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding duration, and the technical performance and usability of the developed chatbot. The study is planned to include 92 primiparous mothers allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention involves an AI-based breastfeeding counseling chatbot developed using natural language processing (NLP) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology. The chatbot will provide evidence-based breastfeeding education, information, and counseling support using an expert-reviewed breastfeeding knowledge base. The system is designed to support mothers in managing breastfeeding-related difficulties and will not provide medical diagnoses or replace healthcare professionals. Breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy, and behaviors will be evaluated during the postpartum follow-up period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the first, third, and sixth postpartum months. Exclusive breastfeeding rates and breastfeeding duration will also be assessed. Additionally, the chatbot's technical performance, response reliability, medical safety, user satisfaction, and usability will be evaluated. The study aims to provide scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of an AI-supported, evidence-based breastfeeding counseling intervention.

Mobile Prenatal Education for Expectant Fathers and Its Effects on Bonding, Stress, Breastfeeding and Marital Satisfaction

The aim of this interventional clinical trial is to assess whether a mobile-based antenatal education programme for expectant fathers has a positive effect on father-infant bonding, stress levels, and breastfeeding attitudes. The study aims to answer the following main questions: Does participation in a mobile-based prenatal education programme strengthen fathers' emotional bonds with their babies? Does the education reduce fathers' stress levels during the prenatal and postnatal periods? Does it increase the father's knowledge and supportive attitude towards breastfeeding? Researchers will compare whether there are measurable differences in attachment, stress, and breastfeeding attitudes between the intervention group (fathers receiving mobile-based education) and the control group (fathers receiving standard routine information). Participants: Will complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing attachment, stress, and breastfeeding attitudes. The intervention group will have access to a six-module mobile application covering topics such as infant care, nutrition, sleep routines, health and safety, emotional development, and daily care practices. The study will be conducted with fathers aged 19-65 who became fathers within the last month and voluntarily agreed to participate.

Breastfeeding Education Integrated With Web Portal and Mobile Application-Supported Counseling

Breastfeeding provides significant benefits for maternal and infant health; however, perceived insufficient milk supply is one of the most common factors associated with early breastfeeding discontinuation. Although the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, breastfeeding continuation rates remain suboptimal in many countries, including Türkiye. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding education combined with a web portal and mobile application-supported breastfeeding counseling on perceived insufficient milk supply, breastfeeding intention, and breastfeeding adaptation among pregnant women. Women at 37-39 weeks of gestation will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive individualized breastfeeding education during pregnancy, educational materials, postpartum breastfeeding support, and web portal- and mobile application-supported breastfeeding counseling. Participants in the control group will receive routine hospital care. Data will be collected during pregnancy (baseline), immediately after birth, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postpartum follow-ups using validated scales assessing perceived insufficient milk supply, breastfeeding intention, and breastfeeding adaptation. Digital platform usage data, including the counseling topics accessed and the frequency of use, will also be evaluated in the intervention group. This study is supported as a research project and aims to develop an accessible digital breastfeeding support model that may improve breastfeeding confidence, reduce perceived insufficient milk supply, and promote breastfeeding adaptation and continuation.