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Journals / Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 19 Sayı: 2

The effect of perceived online social support on breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers who use social media: the role of mediating and moderating variables

Sosyal medya kullanıcısı annelerde çevrimiçi sosyal destek algısının emzirme öz-yeterliliğine etkisi: aracı ve koşullu değişkenlerin rolü

Pınar Uzunkaya Öztoprak(HACETTEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-6985-2971
Pelin Calpbinici(NEVŞEHİR HACI BEKTAŞ VELİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-8242-2773
Pages
230–243
Publication Date
2026-08-14
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Keywords: Breastfeeding, self-efficacy, social media, online social support, digital motherhood

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of online social support perceived through social media on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy, as well as the mediating and moderating variables underlying in this relationship.
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Key Findings & Data:Method: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted with 342 mothers in Turkey who were actively breastfeeding.
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Conclusion & Impact:Keywords: Breastfeeding, self-efficacy, social media, online social support, digital motherhood
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Emzirme · Öz-yeterlilik · Sosyal Medya

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of online social support perceived through social media on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy, as well as the mediating and moderating variables underlying in this relationship. Method: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted with 342 mothers in Turkey who were actively breastfeeding. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS v4.3. Results: A positive and significant correlation was found between online social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.582; p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that online social support is a strong predictor of breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = 0.541; p <0.001). Social media information-checking behavior mediated this relationship, while the timing of the initiation of breastfeeding after birth was identified as a significant moderator of this relationship. Conclusion: Perceived online social support from social media constitutes a valuable resource for enhancing mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy. The combination of informational, emotional, and professional support provided through these platforms may foster more positive breastfeeding attitudes and behaviors, ultimately contributing to improved breastfeeding outcomes. Keywords: Breastfeeding, self-efficacy, social media, online social support, digital motherhood

Özet

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, sosyal medya aracılığıyla algılanan çevrimiçi sosyal desteğin annelerin emzirme öz-yeterliliği üzerindeki etkisini ve bu ilişkide rol oynayan aracı ile koşullu değişkenleri incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Çalışma, tanımlayıcı ve ilişki arayıcı tipte olup, Türkiye’de aktif olarak emziren 342 anneyle yürütülmüştür. Veriler SPSS 25.0 ve PROCESS v4.3 kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Çevrimiçi sosyal destek ile emzirme öz-yeterliliği arasında pozitif ve anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur (r=0.582; p<0.001). Regresyon analizine göre çevrimiçi sosyal destek, emzirme öz-yeterliliğinin güçlü bir yordayıcısıdır (β=0.541; p<0.001). Sosyal medya bilgisini kontrol etme davranışı bu ilişkiye aracılık ederken, doğumdan sonra erken emzirmeye başlama zamanı bu etkide koşullu bir değişken olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Sosyal medyadan algılanan çevrimiçi sosyal destek, annelerin emzirme öz yeterliliğini artırmak için değerli bir kaynaktır. Bu platformlarda sunulan bilgilendirici, duygusal ve profesyonel desteğin birleşimi, emzirme öz yeterliliğini artırarak, daha iyi emzirme sonuçlarına katkıda bulunabilir.

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Cite This Article

Öztoprak, P. U., Calpbinici, P. (2026). The effect of perceived online social support on breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers who use social media: the role of mediating and moderating variables. Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, Cilt: 19 Sayı: 2, 230–243. https://doi.org/10.26559/mersinsbd.1802608

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