Breastfeeding attitude, self-efficacy and support among adolescent mothers caring for preterm babies at home in rural Ghana: A pilot study

Background: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 180 days of life and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years are critical for all infants, especially the most vulnerable infants. Adolescent mothers with preterm babies are vulnerable. In this pilot study, the breastfeeding attitude, self-efficacy and support among adolescent mothers caring for preterm babies at home in rural Ghana were assessed. Methods: A pilot study, using cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2024 – December 2024. Breastfeeding attitude, breastfeeding self-efficacy and support of the adolescent mothers were assessed using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, Short Form of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and Social Support of Breastfeeding Scales respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with SPSS V28. Results: Participants (15–19 years), gestational age (below 35 weeks: 51.9%), educational levels (primary and junior high school holders: 65.5%) and initiation to direct breastfeeding (4–6 days: 51.9%). Participants had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding (64.7), their breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 40.5 and the composite score for social support of breastfeeding was 22.4 Conclusions: Adolescent mothers who care for preterm babies in rural Ghana require adequate breastfeeding social support. The availability of such support will most likely have a favorable influence on maternal breastfeeding attitude and the breastfeeding self-efficacy. Ultimately, the infants’ breastfeeding outcomes will be positive.