Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among the Primigravida Mothers at a Public Hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Jessica Naicker; Maureen N. Sibiya; Krishnavellie Chetty

doi:10.25159/2958-3918/16002

Authors

Jessica Naicker Durban University of Technology
Maureen N. Sibiya Mangosuthu University of Technology
Krishnavellie Chetty Director Nursing Armed Forces Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2958-3918/16002

Keywords:

Primigravida, exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, maternal self-efficacy, psychosocial, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Primigravidae, first-time mothers are generally inexperienced at motherhood, which affects breastfeeding initiation and intent. Therefore, they need frequent professional and social support that must be clinical and practical for successful exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) outcomes. The study aimed to qualitatively explore the psychosocial factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among primigravida mothers at a public hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A qualitative phenomenological and explorative research methodology was used to conduct the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposive sampled primigravida mothers from the postpartum ward from day one today to four post-delivery. Data was collected until saturation was reached. Based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy and Social Cognitive Theoretical Framework, the study has shown that personal, social, and environmental factors strongly influence maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding efficacy. Five significant themes that emerged from the data analysis were (a) factors influencing maternal self-efficacy, (b) challenges to EBF, (c) cultural influence on EBF, (d) the role of support systems to EBF, and (e) breastfeeding support strategies. The study showed that stakeholders need to apply critical clinical interventions if South Africa reaches the global nutritional target of 50% EBF by 2025. These include healthcare workers (HCWs), Policymakers, Employers, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Social Services. Access to child support grants, social services, ARVs through mobile clinic services, and frequent face-to-face antenatal care were among the study's recommendations to address doubts, fears, and anxieties around EBF intent, practice, and duration.

Author Biography

Maureen N. Sibiya, Mangosuthu University of Technology

Supervisor for the study

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