KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG WORKING WOMEN IN JERANTUT, PAHANG

Received 2023-07-17; Accepted 2024-04-02; Published 2025-01-02

Abstract

Providing essential nutrients to support healthy growth and development in young infants is commonly achieved through breastfeeding, a traditional means of nourishment. In Malaysia, even though more awareness campaigns on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remain low than the rate recommended by WHO. This study was done to determine level of knowledge and self–efficacy on exclusive breastfeeding among working women in Jerantut. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the community of working women in Mukim Pedah with the involvement of 375 respondents by convenient sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the respondents' sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form (BSES-SF). 93.1% of respondents had high level knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, and high level of self-efficacy (83.7%). There was a statistically significant association between breastfeeding education with knowledge level in exclusive breastfeeding (p <0.05). There was a statistically significant association between age, education level, parity, breastfeeding education and experience in breastfeeding with self–efficacy (p<0.95). Exclusive breastfeeding benefits the health of both mother and child; having good knowledge and confidence in EBF may encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies for extended periods.