FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BREASTFEEDING INTENTION AMONG GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS MOTHERS

Received 2023-07-10; Accepted 2023-09-05; Published 2023-09-15

Abstract

Breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, attitude and breastfeeding intention affect breastfeeding rates, especially in mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) who are associated with having poor breastfeeding outcomes.   Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate whether breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and sociodemographic factors are associated with breastfeeding intention among GDM pregnant mothers attending health clinics in Selangor. Validated questionnaires including Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF), Knowledge and Attitude, Breastfeeding Questionnaire (KA-BFQ), and Infant Feeding Intention (IFI) were self-administered to assess maternal knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intention towards breastfeeding. Pearson’s Chi Square and independent t-test were used to investigate factors associated with breastfeeding intention among GDM mothers. Multiple linear regression was executed to explore determinants of breastfeeding intention among the studied population. A total of 124 pregnant women with GDM visiting chosen public health clinics in Selangor were recruited for this study. Findings revealed the scores (Mean ± SD) for breastfeeding knowledge 25.66 ± 8.736, breastfeeding attitude 81 ± 11.5, and breastfeeding self-efficacy 48.5 ± 12. About 84.7% (n = 105) had the intention to breastfeed with a mean score of 11 ± 5.25. Further analysis depicted significant associations between breastfeeding intention with a family history of diabetes (AOR = 3.551, 95% CI: 1.127 to 11.185, p-value = 0.030) and breastfeeding knowledge (AOR = 1.107, 95% CI: 1.036 to 1.182, p-value = 0.003). This study concluded that mothers with GDM had fair breastfeeding knowledge, good attitude, high self-efficacy, and high intention in breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need to develop culture-specific interventions in improving breastfeeding knowledge particularly to enhance breastfeeding intention among GDM mothers.