Relationship and Determinants of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Postpartum Mothers and Fathers in Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study.

IF 2.1 4区医学 Q2 NURSING

Journal of Human Lactation Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI:10.1177/08903344251318274

Roselyn Chipojola, Mega Hasanul Huda, Kaboni Whitney Gondwe, Nyanyiwe Masingi Mbeye, Shu-Yu Kuo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy among both mothers and fathers is critical in enhancing exclusive breastfeeding rates. However, the interrelationship between maternal and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and their determinants remains unknown.

Research aims: We aimed to (a) investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy scores postpartum for mothers and fathers; (b) explore factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy in this group; and (c) examine determinants of combined self-efficacy scores among breastfeeding parents in Malawi.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on postpartum mother-father couples at a tertiary maternity facility in central Malawi. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and health variables. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: Mothers demonstrated a higher score of self-efficacy (M = 55.7, SD = 6.5) in comparison to fathers (M = 50.2, SD = 11.9). A significant moderate positive correlation was identified between mothers' and fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.32). Age, employment status, mode of birth, and practicing exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with maternal and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Factors including advanced age, Cesarean delivery, and depressive symptoms emerged as significant determinants of combined breastfeeding self-efficacy scores among couples.

Conclusion: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is highly correlated between mothers and fathers, with a relatively higher score in mothers. Importantly, sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological determinants play a substantial role in influencing parental breastfeeding efficacy. This highlights the necessity of incorporating both mothers and fathers into future breastfeeding promotion strategies.

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来源期刊

Journal of Human Lactation 医学-妇产科学

CiteScore

5.00

自引率

11.50%

发文量

100

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Committed to the promotion of diversity and equity in all our policies and practices, our aims are: To provide our readers and the international communities of clinicians, educators and scholars working in the field of lactation with current and quality-based evidence, from a broad array of disciplines, including the medical sciences, basic sciences, social sciences and the humanities. To provide student and novice researchers, as well as, researchers whose native language is not English, with expert editorial guidance while preparing their work for publication in JHL. In each issue, the Journal of Human Lactation publishes original research, original theoretical and conceptual articles, discussions of policy and practice issues, and the following special features: Advocacy: A column that discusses a ‘hot’ topic in lactation advocacy About Research: A column focused on an in-depth discussion of a different research topic each issue Lactation Newsmakers: An interview with a widely-recognized outstanding expert in the field from around the globe Research Commentary: A brief discussion of the issues raised in a specific research article published in the current issue Book review(s): Reviews written by content experts about relevant new publications International News Briefs: From major international lactation organizations.