Breastfeeding self-efficacy status and associated factors among postpartum mothers at Hadiya Zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding is a crucial health-promoting behavior that has several positive effects on the health of both mothers and newborns. Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) status is an important factor that is positively related to breastfeeding, as it influences a woman’s decision to breastfeed or not. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the BFSE status and its associated factors among postpartum mothers at public hospitals in the Hadiya Zone. Method A cross-sectional study design was conducted from August 1–30, 2022, at public hospitals in the Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 416 participants using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from four public hospitals. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using the SPSS version 24. Bivariable analysis was conducted initially, and variables with p values ≤ 0.25 were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at a p value ≤ 0.05. Results The results of this study showed that 48% had a high level of BFSE. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables age ≥ 35 years old [AOR = 3.596; 95% CI (1.564, 8.26)], age 20 to 34 [AOR = 2.352; 95% CI (1.2275, 4.506)], spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR = 2.755; 95% CI (1.636, 5.566)], breastfeeding experience [AOR =1.845; 95% CI (1.028, 3.3)], more than secondary educational status [AOR = 6.856; 95% CI (2.670–17.603)], and intended pregnancy [AOR = 4.156; 95% CI (2.239, 7.714)] were significantly associated with high breastfeeding self-efficacy status. Conclusion The study findings suggest that mothers attending postpartum care at Hadiya Zone Hospital have a low status of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy status before they are discharged from the hospital.