The effect of whatsapp-based and face-to-face education and counseling on women's quality of life and traditional practices in the postpartum period

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the effect of WhatsApp-based and face-to-face training and counselling on women's quality of life and traditional practices in the postpartum period. Material and method: Research was conducted as a randomised controlled trial model. The sample of the study consisted of 44 WhatsApp, 44 face-to-face and 45 control group, totalling 133 women. Data were collected using the Participant Introduction Form and WHOQOL-BREF. Trainings were sent to the WhatsApp group via videos and face-to-face training was provided to the face-to-face group. The data of the study were collected within 12-24 hours, 2 months and 6 months after delivery. Results: In the study, a significant relationship was found between the WhatsApp and face-to-face group and the control group in the post-test in terms of women's application of traditional methods for breastfeeding and nutrition. In the retest, a significant relationship was found only between the face-to-face group and the control group and it was observed that the face-to-face group made less traditional practices (p<0.05). The QoL of the face-to-face group in all sub-dimensions of WHOQOL-BREF in the post-test is higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). It was found that the physical QoL of the face-to-face group was higher than that of the WhatsApp group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study found that face-to-face education was effective in reducing women's traditional practices regarding breastfeeding and nutrition and improving their quality of life. In addition, face-to-face education was found to be superior to WhatsApp-based education in improving physical quality of life. Keywords: Education, Nursing, Postpartum Period, Traditional, Quality of Life