Exploring Fathers' Attitudes and Self-Efficacy in Supporting Breastfeeding and Their Impact on Mothers' Empowerment

Abstract

Abtract Introduction: The importance of fathers' roles in breastfeeding has been increasingly emphasized today. Fathers' perspectives on breastfeeding are powerful determinants of mothers' initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. This study aims to determine fathers' attitudes towards breastfeeding and their self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding, as well as the relationship between these factors and mothers' breastfeeding empowerment. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, couples with infants under six months old who visited primary health centers in Tabriz, Iran, from March to September 2024 participated. Participants were selected using the cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through demographic questionnaires, fathers' attitudes toward breastfeeding, paternal self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding, and mothers' breastfeeding empowerment. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and general linear model) using SPSS version 16. Results: The findings of this study indicate that 3.7% of fathers had a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, while 0.8% held a positive view towards formula feeding, and 95.4% had a neutral attitude. The mean (standard deviation) of paternal self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding was 49.26 (7.62) within a range of 14 to 70, and the mean (standard deviation) of mothers' breastfeeding empowerment was 143.31 (11.87) within a range of 37 to 185. The findings indicated that mothers who had attended breastfeeding education classes had a breastfeeding empowerment score that was 3.95 units lower (B = -3.956, p = 0.029) compared to those who had not attended such classes. Additionally, mothers with primary education demonstrated a breastfeeding empowerment score that was 7.79 units lower (B = -7.796, p = 0.043) than mothers with university education. Mothers who were housewife showed a breastfeeding empowerment score that was 7.14 units higher (P = 0.031, B = 7.141) compared to working mothers, and mothers who had experienced a miscarriage had a breastfeeding empowerment score that was 3.34 units higher (P = 0.030, B = 3.340) than those who had not experienced a miscarriage. Furthermore, for each unit increase in paternal self-efficacy regarding breastfeeding support (P = 0.015, B=0.251), mothers' breastfeeding empowerment increased by 0.25 units. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that paternal self-efficacy in supporting mothers during breastfeeding, along with several other variables, is a significant determinant of mothers' breastfeeding empowerment. Therefore, educating and raising awareness among fathers about breastfeeding can improve their attitudes and, as a result, enhance mothers' empowerment in this area. These results highlight the need for greater attention to the role of fathers in breastfeeding education and support programs. By actively involving fathers, we can create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding, ultimately benefiting both mothers and infants.