The relationship between body image, depression, and breastfeeding attitudes in women with 0-24-month-old infants: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body image, depression, and breastfeeding attitudes in women who had infants aged 0-24 months.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional and correlational in nature, conducted in Turkey between November 2023 and July 2024, with 282 women who had infants aged 0-24 months (n=282).

Results: Of the women who participated in the study, 46.1% received breastfeeding training during the postpartum period, and 46.2% received breastfeeding training between 7 and 12 months. It was determined that women stopped breastfeeding between months, with the main reason being the perception of insufficient milk (51.2%). The total mean score of the Women's Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale was found to be 99.53±13.48, the Body Perception Scale was 132.19±28.84, and the Beck Depression Scale was 16.19±10.97. Additionally, if there was a high-level, positive linear relationship between the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale and the Body Image Scale total scores (r=0.340, p<0.01), then there was a high-level, negative relationship between the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory total score (r=-0.503, p<0.01), and a highly negative relationship was found between the Body Image Scale and the Beck Depression Scale (r=-0.526, p<0.01).

Conclusion: It has been concluded that low body image and depression in women who had infants aged 0-24 months negatively affect breastfeeding attitudes. It is recommended to investigate the factors affecting breastfeeding attitudes in postpartum women and to provide support and training that can positively affect breastfeeding attitudes.