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Adolescents' interest in breastfeeding practices: using school-based education to promote future DOHaD-related

Hawawu Hussein1,2, Andrew Matchado1,3, Olufunke Florence Ajeigbe1,4,5

  • 1African Scholars Network, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, South Africa.

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
|March 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Integrating breastfeeding education into schools improves adolescent knowledge and attitudes. This school-based program positively impacted perceptions of parenting and breastfeeding benefits, with gender-specific insights for future educational targeting.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Adolescent Health
  • Nutrition Education

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant nutrition, reducing risks of stunting, obesity, and non-communicable diseases.
  • Adolescents, future parents, often lack awareness of the first 1000 days' importance, with gender differences in comprehension.
  • Integrating DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease)-informed knowledge into curricula is vital for promoting optimal infant nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of an in-class presentation on parenting and breastfeeding benefits for adolescents in African high schools.
  • To assess changes in adolescents' perceptions of parenting and the relevance of breastfeeding aspects.
  • To identify gender-related differences in understanding and perceived relevance of breastfeeding benefits.

Main Methods:

  • A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire study was conducted with 345 high school pupils (182 girls, 163 boys) in 5 African countries.
  • Participants received an in-class educational session on parenting and breastfeeding.
  • Statistical analysis was used to compare pre- and post-intervention data and analyze gender differences.

Main Results:

  • The educational session significantly impacted adolescents' perceptions of parenting and their interest in various breastfeeding aspects.
  • Statistically significant gender differences emerged regarding the perceived importance of cost-benefits, with boys highlighting formula cost savings.
  • Boys prioritized long-term health benefits (reduced diabetes risk), while girls focused on immediate infant care aspects (easier feeding, less crying, simpler diaper changes).

Conclusions:

  • School-based education effectively engages adolescents and improves knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding.
  • Educational content should be tailored to address gender-specific perceptions and highlight diverse benefits of breastfeeding.
  • Understanding and leveraging gender differences can enhance the effectiveness of adolescent health education programs.

Keywords:
First 1000 days of lifehealth promotionlife course epidemiologynon-communicable diseases

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