Evaluation of the effect of sleep quality and physical activity level on breastfeeding attitudes and behaviors: The case of Isparta

This study was designed to evaluate the breastfeeding self-efficacy levels, sleep quality, and physical activity status of breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0–6 months who applied to family health centers in Isparta, Türkiye. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 391 volunteer breastfeeding mothers. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (PBSES), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score of the participants was found to be 53.77±11.29. PBSES scores were significantly associated with variables such as education level, age, number of pregnancies, infant's age and health status, and breastfeeding practices. A significant but low-level negative correlation was found between sleep quality and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r=–0.292; p<0.001). No statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity levels and breastfeeding self-efficacy (p>0.05). Regression analysis showed that only sleep quality significantly predicted breastfeeding self-efficacy. The findings highlight the importance of developing holistic approaches aimed at improving sleep quality and lifestyle among breastfeeding mothers to support the breastfeeding process.