LEARN Lao PDR - Exclusive Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of mothers
Exclusive Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of mothers in Lao PDR
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is the most effective form of infant feeding for the first six months of life. Many mothers in different countries prematurely discontinue breastfeeding and Lao mothers are no exception. Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy has been highlighted as an important psychometric factor for improving breastfeeding outcomes. However, self-efficacy in exclusive breastfeeding has not been extensively studied in Laos. As such, this study was carried out to assess self-efficacy and related factors on exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Xaythany district, Laos.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study of mothers with children under one year of age in Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select 151 mothers to participate in this study. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed using STATA software.
Results: The average total score gained from the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Forms (BSES-SF) were determined as 56.52 ± 8.22, min = 31, max = 70. Slightly more than half (57%) of the respondents had high self-efficacy in exclusive breastfeeding. Factors associated with a high level of self-efficacy in exclusive breastfeeding were: the number receiving antenatal care (ANC) (p<0.05), mothers learning the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.001), maternity leave (p<0.01), and mothers’ expectation to breastfeed exclusively (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy amongst this sample was influenced by ANC services, an education in antenatal exclusive breastfeeding, the mothers’ working status and the mothers’ expectation to exclusively breastfeed. The findings of this study showed the need to support exclusive breastfeeding education for mothers during pregnancy. In particular, the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are an opportunity to improve mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, expectations and self-efficacy.
Log in with your EU Login account to post or comment on the platform.