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Physicians and breastfeeding: beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy and counselling practices
M J Burglehaus1, L A Smith, S B Sheps
1Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, BC.
Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Physicians are more likely to counsel mothers on breastfeeding if they believe in its immune benefits and feel confident in their counseling skills. This confidence also encourages continued breastfeeding support when problems arise.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Effective breastfeeding counseling by healthcare providers is crucial for promoting infant health.
- Physician attitudes and confidence levels may influence their engagement in breastfeeding support.
- Understanding factors influencing breastfeeding counseling can improve public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing physicians' breastfeeding counseling behaviors.
- To determine the impact of self-efficacy, knowledge, and beliefs on breastfeeding advice.
- To identify physician characteristics associated with promoting breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A pilot questionnaire was distributed to 325 physicians in British Columbia.
- Response rate was 67.3%, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and general practitioners.
- Regression analysis examined the influence of self-efficacy, knowledge, beliefs, and demographics on counseling behavior.
Main Results:
- Physicians were more likely to encourage breastfeeding if they believed in its immune properties (OR=1.23) and felt confident in their counseling (OR=1.88).
- Confidence in counseling (OR=1.22) and belief in immune properties (OR=2.83) were linked to encouraging continued breastfeeding.
- Physician self-efficacy and belief in breast milk's immune benefits significantly predicted counseling behavior.
Conclusions:
- Physician confidence in breastfeeding counseling and belief in its immune benefits are key drivers of counseling behavior.
- Targeted interventions to enhance physician self-efficacy and knowledge may improve breastfeeding support.
- Further research can optimize strategies for physician-led breastfeeding promotion.