PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIORS OF NURSING MOTHERS TOWARD EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Date
2023-11-09
Authors
Esra’ Mahdi Mahmoud Sawalha
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Abstract
Abstract
Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), EBF could save the lives of almost 220,000 children each year. The WHO recommends exclusively nursing newborns for the first six months of their lives.
Aim: This study was intended to assess how psychological factors, attitudes, and behaviors influencing exclusively breastfeed among nursing mothers.
Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in the northern West Bank of Palestine at the maternal and child health clinics of the PMoH. A convenience sample used among 368 participants. A self-reported survey used, including the Arabic versions of the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Breastfeeding Behavior Questionnaire (BBQ). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used for analysis.
Results: A total of 368 participants responded and were included. The prevalence rates of postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress were 50.8%, 59.8%, and 68.5%, respectively. The current infant’s age between 2 and 4 months (P = 0.03, OR = 1.66, CI: 1.03, 2.67) had a significant association with depression toward EBF among nursing mothers, as well as anxiety (P = 0.00, OR = 2.12, CI = 1.33, 3.39). The husbands between 31 and 40 years old, mean age 35.5 years old, had a higher odd of having stress (P = 0.04, OR = 2.13, CI: 1.01, 4.49), same for mothers of less than 50 kg (P = 0.04, OR = 0.19, CI: 0.19, 0.95). Also, 76.1% of the participants had negative attitudes and behaviors. Both of monthly incomes of less than $500 and between $500 and $800, and nursing mother age less than 18 years old had a significant association between EBF attitudes and behaviors (P = 0.01, OR = 0.82, CI: 0.71, 0.95, P = 0.02, OR = 0.85, CI: 0.74, 0.98, P = 0.00, OR = 7.26, CI: 3.88, 13.60, respectively).
Conclusion: The study revealed significant postpartum psychological problems among Palestinian nursing mothers, accompanied by unfavorable attitudes and behaviors towards EBF.
Recommendations: Implementing the DASS-21 and the BBQ in PMoH clinics is strongly advised. Further researches is necessary to identify the factors contributing to these concerning findings.
Keywords: Psychological factors, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding, EBF, Breastfeeding, BF, Attitudes, Behaviors, Palestine, Nablus.