Experiences of Hungarian Mothers About Breastfeeding Support From Health Visitors
Author(s)
Andrea Szabó, BSc student1, Tímea Csákvári, MSc, PhD2, Ilona Karácsony, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD3, Hulman Anita, BSc, MSc4, Orsolya Máté, BSc, MSc5, Viola Keczeli, BSc, MSc6, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD7, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD8;
1University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Basics of Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, Kaposvár, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, 3University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, Szombathely, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Körmend, Hungary, 5University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 6University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 7University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Pécs, Hungary, 8University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary
1University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Basics of Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, Kaposvár, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, 3University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, Szombathely, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Körmend, Hungary, 5University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 6University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 7University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Pécs, Hungary, 8University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary
OBJECTIVES: Breast milk is the ideal food for infants, yet most mothers do not breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. The aim of our research was to assess the mothers' knowledge about breastfeeding, as well as their experiences breastfeeding support of health visitors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and February 2024. Through non-probability convenience sampling, we included mothers who had initiated breastfeeding. Exclusion criteria were lack of breastfeeding experience, insufficient experience, submitted incomprehensible answers, and breastfeeding beyond one year (N=287). The survey was carried out online using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. Questions focused on socio-demographic data, breastfeeding, nutritional knowledge and experiences with health visitor care. Data were analysed using descriptive and mathematical statistics (χ2 test, t-test) with Microsoft Excel (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Of the mothers, 38% exclusively breastfed for 6 months, and they had significantly higher levels of breastfeeding knowledge (p<0.001) compared to those who stopped earlier. 61% of respondents had medium-level knowledge, with 66% obtaining their breastfeeding information online. Among mothers with one child, 41% had no breastfeeding preparation, but this did not show a significant correlation with earlier cessation of breastfeeding or the willingness to seek help from a health visitor in case of problems (p>0.05). 76% of mothers were satisfied with their health visitors. Among health visitor tasks, the lowest ratings were given in the area of breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS: Expanding mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and effective information transfer during health visitor care is key. Breastfeeding support from health visitors needs improvement, and it would be beneficial to provide effective further training for professionals.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and February 2024. Through non-probability convenience sampling, we included mothers who had initiated breastfeeding. Exclusion criteria were lack of breastfeeding experience, insufficient experience, submitted incomprehensible answers, and breastfeeding beyond one year (N=287). The survey was carried out online using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. Questions focused on socio-demographic data, breastfeeding, nutritional knowledge and experiences with health visitor care. Data were analysed using descriptive and mathematical statistics (χ2 test, t-test) with Microsoft Excel (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Of the mothers, 38% exclusively breastfed for 6 months, and they had significantly higher levels of breastfeeding knowledge (p<0.001) compared to those who stopped earlier. 61% of respondents had medium-level knowledge, with 66% obtaining their breastfeeding information online. Among mothers with one child, 41% had no breastfeeding preparation, but this did not show a significant correlation with earlier cessation of breastfeeding or the willingness to seek help from a health visitor in case of problems (p>0.05). 76% of mothers were satisfied with their health visitors. Among health visitor tasks, the lowest ratings were given in the area of breastfeeding.
CONCLUSIONS: Expanding mothers' breastfeeding knowledge and effective information transfer during health visitor care is key. Breastfeeding support from health visitors needs improvement, and it would be beneficial to provide effective further training for professionals.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
PCR120
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Pediatrics, SDC: Reproductive & Sexual Health, STA: Nutrition