Clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis inadequate social support network in breastfeeding mothers: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To clinically validate the nursing diagnosis (ND) inadequate social support network in breastfeeding mothers.

Method: This cross-sectional quantitative study employed clinical indicator accuracy analysis and hierarchical modeling for the etiological factors of the ND inadequate social support network. The study included 285 breastfeeding mothers registered in primary healthcare units.

Results: The most prevalent clinical indicators within the sample were deficit in instrumental support from health services, imposition of appropriate behaviors, weak social bonds, and negative social interactions. The most frequent etiological factors were deficit in strong bonds, fragility of institutional network organization, unwillingness to provide support, refusal to provide support, and deficit in healthcare professionals.

Conclusion: The ND inadequate social support network was clinically validated within the population of breastfeeding mothers, resulting in six clinical indicators with high sensitivity and specificity for identifying the diagnosis. Additionally, the statistical analysis of the etiological factors identified seven antecedents to the emergence of the diagnosis.

Implications for nursing practice: Based on these findings, nurses can better assist breastfeeding mothers with the aim of preventing an inadequate social support network. By identifying this phenomenon, it becomes possible to plan care and implement nursing interventions to address this issue effectively.