Correlation between breastfeeding and maternal health status.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relation between breastfeeding efficacy and health status in a sample of 88 mothers from Southern Brazil.

METHODS

Research participants completed the Portuguese version of the General Health Questionnaire and the Personal Health Scale. Breastfeeding efficacy was evaluated using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Correlations between breastfeeding and health status scores were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The results of this study revealed significant correlations between the scores of the two general health and well-being questionnaires and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Bivariate regression analyses revealed that both health status instruments significantly predicted Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding efficacy is significantly related to maternal health status in Southern Brazil.