Relationship between social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy among women in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding self-efficacy depends on various psychological, physiological, and social factors. Aims This study aimed to determine the relationship between social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy in women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran, during 2015. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on 220 breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 4–6 months. Data were collected using social support (PRQ-85) and breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaires. The general linear model was applied to control for confounding variables and determine the relationship between social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Findings The mean (standard deviation (SD)) breastfeeding self-efficacy was 138.7 (11.9) of a range of 33–165, about 90% of women had high breastfeeding self-efficacy. The mean (SD) social support score was 141.2 (19.6) of a range of 25–175. Social support was one of the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy (P = 0.004), after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions The women in this study had relatively high breastfeeding self-efficacy. Breastfeeding can be promoted by sensitising families and society to support women.