AUTOEFICÁCIA EM AMAMENTAR: UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA ENTRE PUÉRPERAS ADOLESCENTES E ADULTAS ATENDIDAS EM UMA MATERNIDADE DE ALTO RISCO

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a fundamental practice for promoting maternal and child health and is influenced by individual, social, and healthcare-related factors, among which maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy stands out. This analytical cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach compared breastfeeding self-efficacy levels between adolescent and adult postpartum women assisted at a high-risk maternity hospital and within Primary Health Care services in the municipality of Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil. The sample consisted of 206 women, including 114 adolescents and 92 adults. Data were collected between August 2024 and July 2025 using a structured questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form (BSES-SF). Descriptive analyses and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed. The findings revealed a high prevalence of elevated breastfeeding self-efficacy in both groups, with no substantial differences in overall mean scores. In the multivariate analysis, unemployment remained significantly associated with high self-efficacy among adolescents. Among adult women, immediate breastfeeding and breastfeeding in the delivery room were independently associated with high self-efficacy. It is concluded that although adolescent and adult mothers present similar initial levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy, the associated factors differ between groups, reflecting distinct vulnerability contexts and care experiences. These results highlight the importance of age-sensitive and context-based care strategies, emphasizing early breastfeeding practices and continuous support to strengthen maternal self-efficacy throughout the postpartum period.