The determination of the effect of fathers 'attitudes towards breastfeeding on the breastfeeding motivation of primiparous mothers

Yılmaz, B. (2025). The Determination of the Effect of Fathers 'Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding on the Breastfeeding Motivation of Primiparous Mothers. Master's Thesis, Istanbul Atlas University, Graduate Education Institute, Department of Health Sciences, Istanbul. This study aimed to determine the effect of fathers' attitudes toward breastfeeding on the breastfeeding motivation of primiparous mothers. The initiation and continuation of breastfeeding are not solely dependent on maternal factors but are also significantly influenced by social support systems. In this context, fathers' supportive attitudes play a key role in shaping mothers' breastfeeding experiences and motivation. The research was designed using a relational survey model, and data were collected from 260 primiparous mother-father pairs. The "Father's Attitude Toward Breastfeeding Scale" and the "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale" were used as data collection tools. The study was conducted between September 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025, in the postpartum ward of Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital. The mean age of mothers was 26.58±4.21 and of fathers was 29.98±3.31. Among mothers, 45.1% were high school graduates; among fathers, 38.3% had completed high school and 35.3% held a university degree. Fathers had a mean score of 56.95±8.03 on the attitude scale, and mothers had a mean score of 75.53±11.47 on the motivation scale. Positive and significant correlations were found between fathers' attitudes and maternal breastfeeding value (r=0.378), self-efficacy (r=0.406), and parental support (r=0.316) (p<0.001). Regression analysis showed that fathers' attitudes significantly and positively affected the value placed on breastfeeding (B=0.539, p<0.001). The model was statistically significant (F=21.783, p<0.001), explaining 13.6% of the variance (Adj. R²=0.136). The standardized beta coefficient (β=0.378) indicated a moderate effect. After controlling for demographic variables such as education level, age, and presence at birth, paternal attitude remained the strongest predictor. In conclusion, positive paternal attitudes toward breastfeeding enhance maternal motivation and positively impact the breastfeeding experience. These findings highlight the importance of promoting fathers' involvement in the breastfeeding process. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Fathers 'attitudes, Primiparous mothers, Breastfeeding motivation