Predictors of Breastfeeding Self-efficacy in Iranian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Determining the effective factors on breastfeeding self-efficacy can be helpful in designing the promoting interventions for this behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers referred to health centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2015. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 mothers breastfeeding 4-to-6-month babies. Cluster sampling was used in this study. Breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (BSES), The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), social support via Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-85) and researcher-made questionnaire of knowledge were used to collect data. Multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Results: Mean (standard deviation) of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 138.7 (11.9) out of the achievable score range of 33-165 and about 90% of the women had high breastfeeding self-efficacy. There was a significant statistical correlation between breastfeeding self-efficacy and social support, knowledge and attitude (P<0.001). According to multivariate linear regression model, the variables of social support, attitude, knowledge and husband's age were identified as the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Conclusions: According to the important role of breastfeeding in maternal health, providing strategies to enhance knowledge, improve attitude, and sensitize community deems essential; as these important factors affect breastfeeding self-efficacy.