Breastfeeding Myths and Mothers' Motivation

NCT07067554 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025-07/276
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 191
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Breast milk is a unique and irreplaceable source of nutrition for infants, offering protection against many common childhood diseases due to its natural sterility, accessibility, and immune-boosting antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is critical for healthy growth, development, and immune support. Despite global recommendations by WHO and UNICEF, lack of knowledge and inadequate support continue to hinder optimal breastfeeding practices. One major barrier is the persistence of cultural myths and misconceptions, such as "colostrum should be discarded," or "infants need water after every feeding." These unfounded beliefs may reduce mothers' confidence and lead to early cessation of breastfeeding or premature introduction of complementary foods. This study aims to examine the relationship between mothers' belief in breastfeeding myths and their motivation to breastfeed. While prior research has explored each factor individually, no known studies have analyzed their interaction.

Conditions

Breastfeeding; Maternal Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Motivation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Demographic, Birth, and Breastfeeding Characteristics of Participants

  Collected using a 25-question Descriptive Information Form developed by the researchers. Includes maternal demographics, pregnancy and birth history, infant characteristics, breastfeeding status, beliefs, and motivational factors.

  At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)

• Belief in Breastfeeding Myths

  Measured using the Breastfeeding Myths Scale developed by Yılmaz Sezer et al. (2024). The scale consists of 30 items in a single dimension. Total scores range from 30 to 150, with higher scores indicating a stronger belief in breastfeeding myths. A cut-off score of 119.50 is used to distinguish between low and high levels of myth belief.

  At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)

• Breastfeeding Motivation

  Breastfeeding motivation was measured using the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale, originally developed by Kestler-Peleg et al. (2015) and adapted into Turkish by Mızrak Şahin et al. (2019). The scale consists of 24 items and assesses five subdimensions: Integrated Regulation, Intrinsic Motivation and Identified Regulation, Introjected Regulation - Social Approval, Introjected Regulation - Social Pressure, and External Regulation - Additional Benefits. Each subdimension score is calculated separately based on the mean of relevant items. Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of motivation in the respective subdimension.

  At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: female
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Mothers aged 18 or older with an infant between 0-6 months, meeting eligibility criteria and providing consent.

You may qualify if:

• Having an infant aged 0-6 months
• Having breastfed the baby at least once
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Having a physical or psychiatric health condition that prevents breastfeeding
• Having had a multiple (twin or more) pregnancy
• Exclusively formula-feeding the baby

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Acibadem University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Acıbadem University

Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Related Publications (10)

• Bulut, M., & Küçük Alemdar, D. (2021). Breastfeeding motivation in mothers of excessive crying infants: A correlation study. Early Child Development and Care, 191(9), 1417-1426. Cohen, J. (1988). Stati

  BACKGROUND

• Yilmaz Sezer N, Aker MN, Gonenc IM, Topuz S. Development of the Breastfeeding Myths Scale. Breastfeed Med. 2024 Jan;19(1):40-46. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0200.

  PMID: 38241130 BACKGROUND

• Mizrak Sahin B, Ozerdogan N, Ozdamar K, Gursoy E. Factors affecting breastfeeding motivation in primiparious mothers: An application of breastfeeding motivation scale based on self-determination theory. Health Care Women Int. 2019 Jun;40(6):637-652. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1526289. Epub 2019 May 29.

  PMID: 31140955 BACKGROUND

• Kestler-Peleg M, Shamir-Dardikman M, Hermoni D, Ginzburg K. Breastfeeding motivation and Self-Determination Theory. Soc Sci Med. 2015 Nov;144:19-27. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.09.006. Epub 2015 Sep 8.

  PMID: 26372935 BACKGROUND

• Chipojola R, Chiu HY, Huda MH, Lin YM, Kuo SY. Effectiveness of theory-based educational interventions on breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020 Sep;109:103675. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103675. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

  PMID: 32585447 BACKGROUND

• Eram, U. (2017). A review article: Myths, beliefs and malpractices relating to breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, 6(6), 14-16.

  BACKGROUND

• Yildirim Goksen DF, Ozkan S. The effect of online breastfeeding education on breastfeeding motivation: A randomized controlled study. J Pediatr Nurs. 2024 Mar-Apr;75:e42-e48. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.12.026. Epub 2024 Jan 5.

  PMID: 38182483 BACKGROUND

• Koura, H. (2019). Myths about breastfeeding. Al-Azhar Assiut Medical Journal, 17(2), 109-113. https://doi.org/10.4103/AZMJ.AZMJ_47_19

  BACKGROUND

• Maleki A, Faghihzadeh E, Youseflu S. The Effect of Educational Intervention on Improvement of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2021 Aug 10;2021:5522229. doi: 10.1155/2021/5522229. eCollection 2021.

  PMID: 34422058 BACKGROUND

• Marques ES, Cotta RM, Priore SE. [Myths and beliefs surrounding breastfeeding]. Cien Saude Colet. 2011 May;16(5):2461-8. doi: 10.1590/s1413-81232011000500015. Portuguese.

  PMID: 21655719 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding; Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Güzin Ünlü Suvari

CONTACT

+902165004429; guzin.unlu@acibadem.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principle Investigator, M.Sc. Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 19, 2025
• First Posted: July 16, 2025
• Study Start: September 9, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2026
• Last Updated: September 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)