Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
MSc Student in Counseling in Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
10.22038/jmrh.2023.74571.2188
Abstract
Background and aim: Breastfeeding, a multifaceted social phenomenon, involves various gender roles, individuals’ characteristics, and societal expectations. This study aims to explore the correlation between gender role attitude, maternal competence, and breastfeeding performance among primiparous mothers with 4-6-months-old infants receiving comprehensive healthcare in Urmia.
Materials and methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022, involving 320 primiparous mothers with 4-6-months-old infants in Urmia's comprehensive health centers. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics questionnaire, an Attitude towards Women Questionnaire (AWS) for gender role attitudes, a Maternal Competence Questionnaire (MCQ), and a checklist for breastfeeding performance assessment. Random sampling was used, and data were analysis using SPSS 21 with technique like descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, chi-square test, and multivariate linear regression.
Findings: The study included 320 mothers with an average age of 27.53 ± 6.05 years. Mean scores (standard deviation) for gender role attitude, maternal competence, and breastfeeding performance were 27.75±5.11, 4.21±0.42, and 2.13±1.78, respectively. A significant association (p=0.014) was found between gender role attitude and breastfeeding performance.. Maternal competence showed a significant correlation and breastfeeding performance (p<0.01), as did gender role attitude with maternal competence (p=0.019, r=0.13).Gender role attitude a (p=0.000, B=0.49) and maternal competence (p=0.000, B=1.245) were identified as predictors of breastfeeding performance, explaining 68.4% of the variance.
Conclusion: Psychosocial factors such as gender role attitudes and maternal competence significantly impact breastfeeding initiation and continuation, enhancing its success. Advocate for women's rights and empowering mothers within evolving gender roles are recommended to successful breastfeeding practice.
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