The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Self-Efficacy and Continuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background:Self-efficacy is a decisive psychological and motivational factor in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The aim of this study was to explore the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) on EBF self-efficacy and EBF in primiparous women. Materials and Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 140 primiparous women admitted to a number of comprehensive health centers in Zahedan in 2019. The health centers were determined through multistage random sampling, and the subjects were selected from each center using convenience sampling. The selected women were equally divided into the intervention and control groups. The two groups took the pretest by filling out a demographic questionnaire and a breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire. The intervention group attended four 45- to 60-minute MI sessions on breastfeeding. The EBF continuation sheet and the breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire were filled out 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed in SPSS 22 using pairedt-test, independentt-test, chi-square test, and covariance analysis. Results:Based on the results, the mean and standard deviation of the number of EBF days were significantly higher in the intervention group (137.68 +/- 65.50) compared with that of the control group (99.51 +/- 80.62). In addition, the mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy after MI was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.0001). Conclusion:Because of the significantly positive impact of MI on enhancing EBF self-efficacy and continuation, it is recommended to integrate this counseling strategy into the care programs designed for women in pregnancy and even postpartum period.