FATORES ASSOCIADOS À AUTOEFICÁCIA EM AMAMENTAR EM PUÉRPERAS ACOMPANHADAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a physiological process that ensures a child's nutrition and survival. Selfefficacy in breastfeeding is linked to a woman's expectations and confidence in her knowledge and skills to breastfeed her child. Therefore, if a woman possesses knowledge and beliefs in her ability to breastfeed, she is more likely to breastfeed effectively. Knowledge about the subject is crucial for developing strategies to protect, promote, support, and maintain breastfeeding. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with self-efficacy in breastfeeding among postpartum women in Primary Health Care. It was a longitudinal, prospective study with a quantitative approach, following postpartum women and children in the Primary Health Care of Imperatriz (MA) from March 2021 to June 2023. The sample selection was based on accessibility and convenience criteria. Out of the 263 participants enrolled, 110 completed the study and were analyzed. Data were collected at different time points: the first contact within 0 to 45 days postpartum at health care units, and follow-ups at 2, 4, and 6 months via telephone. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Absolute and relative frequencies (%) were reported for sociodemographic data and breastfeeding types. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form questions were described using median, mean, standard deviation, lower, and upper limits. To test differences in self-efficacy proportions across the four collection points, the Cochran's Q test was conducted. The independent chisquare test examined associations between sociodemographic variables and breastfeeding selfefficacy. Due to non-normal distribution, Spearman's correlation tested associations between breastfeeding duration (in days) and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The study adhered to ethical principles and received approval. Most postpartum women (79.0%) were aged 21 to 35, 68.2% were of mixed race, 62.7% were married or in a stable union, and 64.5% completed high school. Factors associated with high self-efficacy in breastfeeding included the number of pregnancies (up to 45 days postpartum). The majority practiced exclusive breastfeeding up to 180 days, and self-efficacy in exclusive breastfeeding remained high throughout the study, minimally associated with sociodemographic factors.