Correlation Among Maternal and Infant Factors, Social Support and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a critical factor influencing the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among mothers. Low self-efficacy affects mothers’ ability to sustain breastfeeding. Several studies have investigated the factors influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy, but none have interconnected maternal, infant, and social support factors. Aims: This study aimed to measure the correlation between maternal and infant factors, social support, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was employed in Jember, Indonesia, among 200 breastfeeding mothers. The study population consisted of mothers 17-42 years old who were breastfeeding and who met the following inclusion criteria: mothers who have babies aged 1-6 months, term pregnancy history, wanted pregnancy, and baby weight born ≥ 2500 grams. Maternal and infant factors and social support were determined through interviews and questionnaires. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was examined using The Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale Short. The multiple logistic analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Of a total of 200 breastfeeding mothers, 63% had low breastfeeding self-efficacy, and 59.5% of mothers did not exclusively breastfeed. The multiple logistic regression indicated that 74.2% of the factors included in the model influenced breastfeeding self-efficacy. Positive correlations were observed between breastfeeding self-efficacy and feeding type (OR=6.603), breastfeeding frequency (OR=6.220), breastfeeding intention (OR=4.993), and family type (OR=4.001). Conclusion: feeding type, breastfeeding frequency, and family support were the important factors that support breastfeeding self-efficacy.