Relationship between Maternal Self-Efficacy, Social Support and Breastfeeding Problems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/18899Keywords:
breastfeeding, breastfeeding self-efficacy, social support, breastfeeding problemsAbstract
This study was conducted to determine the impact of maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) and social support status on breastfeeding problems. Maternal BSE refers to mothers’ confidence in their ability to breastfeed their infants successfully. The study used a cross-sectional design and collected data via a questionnaire survey. The participants included 170 breastfeeding mothers who gave birth at a university-affiliated hospital in Gaziantep, Turkey, between December 2023 and February 2024. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the mothers before they were discharged and was analysed using descriptive and correlation statistics. A negative relationship was found between social support and breastfeeding problems (p < 0.05), that is, breastfeeding problems increased as social support decreased. A negative relationship was found between social support, mechanical concerns and breastfeeding problems (p < 0.05). As social support decreased, mechanical concerns and breastfeeding problems increased. Thus, social support had a significant negative effect on breastfeeding problems. No significant difference was found between maternal BSE and breastfeeding problems (p > 0.005). A significant difference was found between breastfeeding problems and breastfeeding problems subscales (p < 0.005). The study indicated that higher social support is associated with fewer breastfeeding problems. Therefore, healthcare providers should routinely assess social support networks and integrate them into counselling in order to effectively reduce breastfeeding problems.
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