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Journals / CURARE Journal of Nursing / 2026 / Sayı: 11

The Relationship between Anxiety Levels and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Late Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Zehra Karahan Acar(Marmara Unıversity, Institue of Health Science)0000-0002-6096-9724
Zümrüt Bilgin(Marmara Unıversity, Institue of Health Science)0000-0003-3984-5716
Pages
9–16
Publication Date
2026-07-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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

These findings highlight the importance of early identification of state anxiety and targeted interventions to support maternal well-being and breastfeeding success.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between anxiety levels and breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers of late preterm infants.
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Key Findings & Data:Background and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2025 in the postpartum clinic of a hospital in Istanbul.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings highlight the importance of early identification of state anxiety and targeted interventions to support maternal well-being and breastfeeding success.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2025 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Late preterm birth · Anxiety · Breastfeeding

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between anxiety levels and breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers of late preterm infants. Background and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2025 in the postpartum clinic of a hospital in Istanbul. The study included 177 mothers aged 18–45 who delivered between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Short Form (STAI-SF), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.15 ± 4.80 years. Mothers with breastfeeding-related concerns had significantly higher state anxiety scores and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy scores (t = 2.349, p = 0.020; t = −4.109, p = 0.001). State anxiety and trait anxiety were positively correlated (r = 0.522, p = 0.001). State anxiety showed a negative correlation with breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = -0.162, p = 0.032), whereas breastfeeding-related concerns were positively correlated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.282, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with state anxiety (r = −0.171, p = 0.023). No significant association was found between trait anxiety and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = −0.035, p = 0.644). Conclusion: Higher anxiety levels, particularly state anxiety, are associated with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers of late preterm infants. These findings highlight the importance of early identification of state anxiety and targeted interventions to support maternal well-being and breastfeeding success.

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Cite This Article

Acar, Z. K., Bilgin, Z. (2026). The Relationship between Anxiety Levels and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Late Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study. CURARE Journal of Nursing, Sayı: 11, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.26650/CURARE.2026.1792656

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