Self-efficacy and perceived social support among postnatal mothers in newborn care practices

Introduction: This study aimed to assess self-efficacy and perceived social support among post-natal mothers in newborn care practices.Aim and Objectives: To identify the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived social support of postnatal mothers on new-born care practices and determine the association of socio-demographic and clinical variables with self-efficacy and perceived social support.Materials and Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey design was used. A convenience sampling method among 60 postnatal mothers in Obstetric and Gynecology ward of selected hospital was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic and clinical variables, 5-point Likert scale for maternal self-efficacy in newborn care, and the standardized Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Findings revealed that 86.7% of postnatal mothers had high self-efficacy and 13.3% had moderate self-efficacy in newborn care practices. For perceived social support, 95% of had high social support and 5% had moderate social support. A significant positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and perceived social support (r = 0.30, p = 0.01). Self-efficacy showed no significant association with selected socio-demographic and clinical variables. Perceived social support showed significant association with educational qualification (χ² = 10.376, p = 0.006) and mode of delivery (χ² = 12.047, p = 0.002) of postnatal mothers.Conclusion: Higher perceived social support enhances maternal self-efficacy in newborn care practices. Nursing education, counselling, family involvement and supportive interventions can improve maternal confidence and newborn care outcomes.