A Study of the Predictors of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Breastfeeding has a vital role in ensuring the health of mother and infant, and ultimately the health of society. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a strong predictor of the duration of breastfeeding, which in a variety of situations - including crises - may be affected by a number of factors. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in breastfeeding mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 300 breastfeeding mothers whose children were breastfed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sampling was based on convenience sampling and online method using a checklist of personal and social characteristics and breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaires, spouse postpartum social support, perceived social support, anxiety and depression, and fear of Covid-19. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA and multi variable linear regression model via stepwise method. Significance level in this study was considered to be 0.05.Results: The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score among participants was 58.19±10.48 (out of 70). Spouse postpartum social support (β = 0.732, p =0.04), intention to breastfeed (p = 0.001, β = 0.17), use of formula while breastfeeding (β = - 0.09, p<0.001), and depression (β = - 0.11, p<0.001), were predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. But fear of Covid-19 was not significantly correlated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (p = 0.514).Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that spouse postpartum social support and having the intention of breastfeeding with a positive effect; and depression and simultaneous use of formula in feeding the infant with a negative effect; are predictors of women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy during the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems that breastfeeding can be improved by counseling to improve receiving the spouse support, increasing the breastfeeding intent, and reducing the depression.

Association of workplace support on breastfeeding self-efficacy among working mothers of Attock City

“…A study conducted in Brazil showed no significant association except with maternal age (15) (Dodt et al, 2012). The mean score for breastfeeding self-efficacy among the mothers in our study was 46.53±8.495 out of total score of 70 while a study conducted in Iran showed a mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers was 58.19±10.48 out of 70 (16).…”

The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on breastfeeding self-efficacy: A path analysis

“…This result is consistent with previous studies conducted before the pandemic which proved that anxiety, social support, and bonding affected self-efficacy. 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 It is suggested to raise self-efficacy education, provide information and awareness and also psychological intervention for mothers. 1 The current study set the bonding variable as an intervening variable.…”