The Effect of a Self-Efficacy Promotion Program on the Intentions and Breastfeeding Behaviors at the Health Promotion Hospital, Health Promotion Center Region 1, Chiang Mai

Abstract

The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding recommended alongside complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. The goal is for at least 50% of infants to be exclusively breastfed by 2025. However, surveys indicate that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among Thai mothers remains below this target. This study investigated the effects of a self-efficacy enhancement program on the intention and breastfeeding behaviors of first-time postpartum mothers with minor nipple and breast discomforts. The study took place at Health Promotion Hospital, Regional Health Promotion Center 1, Chiangmai

A quasi-experimental research design employing a pre-test and post-test in a single group was used. The sample comprised 30 first-time postpartum mothers referred to the Lactation Clinic during their hospital stay. Data were collected from December 2023 to May 2024. The research instruments included the self-efficacy program, a personal information record, a self-efficacy assessment questionnaire, a breastfeeding intention questionnaire, and a breastfeeding behavior observation form. The program’s content validity was 0.95, and reliability was 0.98. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Paired t-test, following the Shapiro–Wilk test for normal distribution.

The results showed a significant increase in self-efficacy scores, from 3.41 to 4.10 (p < 0.05). However, the change in breast feeding intention, from 4.77 to 4.93, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Breastfeeding behaviors showed significant improvement after the program (t=28.721, p< 0.05), with all mothers demonstrating correct breastfeeding practices, such as LATCH techniques and feeding positions.

These findings suggest the self-efficacy program enhances self-efficacy and breastfeeding behaviors among first-time postpartum mothers. Although the increase in breastfeeding intention was not statistically significant, the program’s overall effectiveness supports its wider use in healthcare settings.