Breastfeeding self-efficacy of migrant and refugee women and the reasons for preference formula milk in the first 6 months

This study is a descriptive study to determine the breastfeeding self-efficacy of immigrant and refugee women who have children between 0-24 months and the reasons for choosing formula milk in the first 6 months. The research was conducted on a voluntary basis by applying face-to-face questionnaires to 200 mothers who applied to the Immigrant Health Center of Diyarbakır Provincial Health Directorate. A socio-demographic questionnaire consisting of 8 questions and the IOWA Nutrition Attitude Scale consisting of 17 questions were used to collect the data. Study data was evaluated with the IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0 analysis program. To test reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and item-total correlation were evaluated; scale Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.68 and the scale was found to be reliable (0.60≤α<0.80). The significance of the results was evaluated at the p>0.05 level. Ethics committee permission, institutional permission, and informed consent form were obtained from the mother articipating in the study in order to conduct the study. The average age of the mothers participating in the study was 27,3 and the education level was found to be primary school and below 71.5%, college and above 9%. It was observed that as the age of the participants decreased, the preference for formula milk increased, and as the education level increased, there was an increase in the preference for breast milk. In our study, the normal vaginal birth rate was compared with epidural/spinal birth it was found to be higher than vaginal birth (74.5%; 8.5%). It was determined that there was a significant difference between the type of birth and the mother's breast milk preference (p<0.05). Most of the mothers (68.7%) who had breastfeeding experience in the past prefer breast milk for infant feeding. It was determined that mothers who received support from their environment after birth were more likely to prefer breast milk (73.1%), however, no significant difference was found between receiving support after birth and choosing breast milk (p>0.5). As a result; nurses, midwives and health professionals should explain the correct breastfeeding and milking techniques in order to prevent mothers from turning to formula in cases such as low or insufficient milk of new mothers. In order to eliminate or minimize the negative consequences of migration, it is recommended to consult the experience and knowledge of psychologists and social workers who provide services in the psychosocial field for the physical, mental and social well-being of the migrating mother, and to encourage baby-friendly hospital initiatives.