Predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy among women attending an urban postnatal clinic, Uganda.
Joyce Nankumbi, Ashely Atwiine Mukama, Tom Denis Ngabirano
PMID 31367398WHAT IT FOUND
Having a partner and receiving breastfeeding support from health workers were linked to higher maternal confidence in breastfeeding.
Over a third of mothers had low confidence. Social support and professional guidance appear key to sustaining breastfeeding.
Key findings
01Mothers with a partner had significantly higher odds of high breastfeeding self-efficacy.
02Receiving breastfeeding support from health workers was associated with higher odds of high breastfeeding self-efficacy.
0339.8% of postnatal mothers had low breastfeeding self-efficacy.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in a single teaching hospital in Uganda, so results may not generalize to other settings or populations. The cross-sectional design cannot establish causality between support and self-efficacy. Self-reported data on breastfeeding practices and support may be subject to recall bias. Mothers with birth complications or those too sick to participate were excluded, potentially skewing the sample toward healthier mothers.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that providing information alone increases confidence. The study links support from health workers and partner presence to higher self-efficacy, suggesting that emotional and practical support is more impactful than education alone. However, this is an association, not proof that support causes confidence.