Investigating the Relationship between Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Stress in Lactating Women
نویسندگان
1 Centre on Behavioral Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
2 Department of Biostatics, School of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
3 School of Nursing, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, BC, Canada
4 Department of ICU, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of ICU Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6 Department of ICU Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7 Department of ICU Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
doi
http://dx.doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21172چکیده
Background: Breastfeeding, as a healthy and effective method of infant feeding, contributes to enhanced short- and long-term health outcomes for both women and infants. However, there is growing concern about the decline in breastfeeding rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Iran, despite some progress, the incidence of early breastfeeding cessation has increased. Many factors affect the quality of breastfeeding, including breastfeeding self-efficacy and stress, which have been identified as two critical factors influencing this issue.Methods: This analytical-descriptive study was conducted in 2023 on 147 lactating women who attended comprehensive health centers in Khalkhal city. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), along with a demographic questionnaire.Results: The results indicated a statistically significant negative correlation between breastfeeding self-efficacy and stress (r=-0.206, p=0.012). Additionally, breastfeeding self-efficacy was significantly associated with several demographic variables, including education (r=0.168, p=0.041), duration of marriage (r=0.255, p=0.002), infant gender (r=0.246, p=0.003), and birth interval (r=0.264, p=0.001).Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical role of self-efficacy and stress in breastfeeding outcomes. Enhancing breastfeeding self-efficacy among lactating women may contribute to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Educational and supportive interventions targeting these factors can play a pivotal role in improving breastfeeding practices.
