Breastfeeding Myths and Influencing Factors in Married Women

Background/Aims: Breastfeeding myths in married women are thoughts and beliefs without any scientific basis that prevent full breastfeeding, especially in the first six months of life. To determine breastfeeding myths and influencing factors in married women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between May 1 and July 1, 2024, at XXX University Research and Application Hospital Polyclinics. The study included 576 married women over the age of 18 who applied to the polyclinics for any reason, were literate, and volunteered to participate. Data were collected using a "Descriptive Information Form" and the "Breastfeeding Myths Scale (BMS)." Permission was obtained from the XXX University Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee (Date: 20.03.2024; Decision No: 12/21). Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.30±14.10 years. Of the women, 30.9% were between the ages of 25-34, 24.8% were high school graduates, 62.9% were unemployed, and 70.8% were from nuclear families. Additionally, 38.4% had three or more children, 27.4% had vaginal deliveries, 74% had breastfeeding experience, and 45.7% received support while breastfeeding. The mean BMS score was 81.64±21.62. Socio-demographic and obstetric variables such as age, educational status, employment status, perceived income status, number of pregnancies, number of living children, number of live births, number of vaginal deliveries, and breastfeeding experience significantly affected breastfeeding myths (p0.05). Conclusion: The study found that married women have breastfeeding myths, although their level of belief in these myths is low. Sociodemographic and obstetric variables such as age, educational status, number of live births, number of vaginal deliveries, and breastfeeding experience significantly affect breastfeeding myths. It is recommended to raise awareness among married women about breastfeeding myths and their potential harms.