scholarly journals Facebook support for breastfeeding mothers: A comparison to offline support and associations with breastfeeding outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761985339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayanna Robinson ◽  
Carolyn Lauckner ◽  
Marsha Davis ◽  
Jori Hall ◽  
Alex Kojo Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
African American Mothers ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitudes

Objectives For breastfeeding mothers, online support groups through Facebook may be a more convenient and preferred source for accessing breastfeeding information and support, but few studies exist that examine the use of Facebook groups specifically for breastfeeding support. This study explores the sources of support among users of Facebook breastfeeding support groups and a possible mechanism by which support received on Facebook may translate to behavioral outcomes among breastfeeding mothers. Methods From July–September 2017 a survey was distributed online to African American mothers ( N = 277) who participate in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook. The survey assessed network support from Facebook and other sources of breastfeeding support, perceived breastfeeding norms, breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding attitudes. Correlations and linear regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between covariates and outcome variables. Results The average intended breastfeeding duration among participants in this study was 19 months. Participants reported the highest amount of breastfeeding support received from their Facebook support group, in comparison to other sources of support, and Facebook support was significantly correlated with intended breastfeeding duration ( p < 0.05). Self-efficacy and breastfeeding attitudes remained significant predictors of intended breastfeeding duration within the final regression model. Conclusions Breastfeeding support received within Facebook groups may compensate for inadequate support received within mothers’ networks. More research is needed to understand the mechanism through which Facebook support may contribute to prolonged breastfeeding durations.

It Takes an E-Village: Supporting African American Mothers in Sustaining Breastfeeding Through Facebook Communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayanna Robinson ◽  
Marsha Davis ◽  
Jori Hall ◽  
Carolyn Lauckner ◽  
Alex Kojo Anderson
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
African American Mothers ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Shifts

Background: Lack of breastfeeding support is a common barrier reported by African American mothers, whose breastfeeding rates remain significantly below the national average. Despite mothers’ reported use of social network sites to access support on topics relating to child rearing, few studies have examined their use to exchange breastfeeding support. Research aims: To describe (1) the experiences of African American mothers who participate in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook and (2) the breastfeeding beliefs, practices, and outcomes for this population of mothers. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional qualitative study with an online focus group design. The study was guided by Black Feminist Thought and an integrated model of behavior prediction. Four online focus groups ( N = 22) were conducted using video conferencing during September 2017 with African American mothers who were participating in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook. Results: Thematic analysis was used to develop four themes and two subthemes, including creating a community for Black mothers, online interactions and levels of engagement, advantages of participating in online support groups, critiques of online support groups, empowerment of self and others, and shifts in breastfeeding perceptions and decisions. Among participants in this study, positive imagery of African American breastfeeding mothers and ongoing support from women with shared experiences improved confidence with public breastfeeding and prolonged goals for breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: Receiving peer support within Facebook communities may positively influence breastfeeding norms and confidence in breastfeeding, help mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges, and ultimately extend intended breastfeeding duration.

Exploring outcomes of public health nurse-facilitated breastfeeding support groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-82
Author(s):  
Sinead Hanafin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Public Health Nurse ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Support Mechanism ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Health Nurse ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding groups have been identified in national and international policy as an important support mechanism for increasing breastfeeding duration. The aim of this study was to estimate the value of public health nurse- (PHN) facilitated breastfeeding group support. The study was informed by methodology used to calculate a social return on investment (SROI). Data were collected from primary and secondary stakeholders using focus group, joint and individual interviews. Mothers reported improved mental health and increased duration of breastfeeding, and PHNs reported being more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, being able to offer a better service and experiencing higher job satisfaction. PHNs who did not facilitate groups but whose clients attended reported reduced workload and improvements in access to information. Family and friends reported more positive attitudes to breastfeeding. PHN-facilitated breastfeeding groups have benefits for mothers, PHNs and for society; therefore, a more systematised and geographically equitable approach to their implementation in Ireland should be promoted.

scholarly journals Online Support Model For Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1575-1580
Author(s):  
Eka Riyanti ◽  
Diah Astutiningrum ◽  
Herniyatun Herniyatun
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitudes ◽  
Support Model

Breastfeeding support is an important factor in ensuring the mother can overcome the challenges of breastfeeding. Social media use can also influence breastfeeding attitudes, breastfeeding norms and increase self-efficacy. But what kind of online support is not clear which model is used.The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of online support for the success of exclusive breastfeeding. This study used an experimental design, namely Quasi-experimental post test with control design. The sample in this study were mothers with infants 2-5 months who met the criteria. The success of exclusive breastfeeding was measured using the Breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (BSES) instrument and the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT).The results showed that the online support model intervention had an influence on self-efficacy in the intervention group (p = 0.009). Whereas the attachment variable has no effect (p = 0.082)

scholarly journals Predicting Breastfeeding Duration Related to Maternal Attitudes in a Taiwanese Sample

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-Ju Ho ◽  
Jacqueline M. McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Milk Supply ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Feeding Method ◽  
Maternal Attitudes ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitudes ◽  
Insufficient Milk

The purpose of this study was to examine maternal attitudes and sociodemographic variables associated with Taiwanese mothers’ continuation of breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. A sample of 140 in-hospital breastfeeding mothers was recruited in Taiwan. Participants completed the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) in the hospital prior to discharge. Postdischarge participants were contacted by telephone at 3 and 6 weeks postpartum to obtain information regarding their feeding method and duration. Findings revealed that in-hospital maternal breastfeeding attitudes are predictive of breastfeeding duration. Insufficient milk supply was the reason most often given for discontinuing breastfeeding. Women’s husband/partner was found to be the main source of breastfeeding support. We recommend health-care professionals add the IIFAS to their assessment to identify mothers at high risk for discontinuing breastfeeding and to develop and better evaluate breastfeeding promotion programs.

Personality, Attitudes, and Behaviors Predicting Perceived Benefit in Online Support Groups (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athena Milios ◽  
Ting Xiong ◽  
Karen McEwan ◽  
Patrick McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Perceived Benefit ◽  
Usage Patterns

BACKGROUND Online Support Groups (OSGs) are distance-delivered, easily accessible health interventions offering emotional support, informational support, experience-based support, and companionship or network support for patients/caregivers managing chronic mental and physical health conditions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relative contribution of extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, positive attitudes toward OSGs, and typical past OSG usage patterns in predicting perceived OSG benefit in an OSG for parent caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS A mix method longitudinal design was used to collect data from 81 parents across Canada. Attitudes toward OSGs and typical OSG usage patterns were assessed using author-developed surveys administered at baseline, before OSG membership. The personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism were assessed at baseline using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Perceived OSG benefit was assessed using an author-developed survey, administered two months after initiation of OSG membership. RESULTS A hierarchical regression analysis found that extraversion was the only variable that significantly predicted perceived OSG benefit. CONCLUSIONS The key suggestions for improving future OSGs were facilitating more in-depth, customized, and interactive content in OSGs.

Social Support Improves Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in a Sample of Black Women

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah McCarter-Spaulding ◽  
Rebecca Gore
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Black women in the United States have lower rates of initiation and duration of breastfeeding compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Social support for breastfeeding, as well as breastfeeding self-efficacy, has been reported as an influence on breastfeeding outcomes. This study analyzes the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and network support for breastfeeding in a sample of Black women. Results showed that network support for breastfeeding does not have a direct effect on breastfeeding duration and pattern, but it does have a significant influence on breastfeeding self-efficacy. These results provide theoretical support for clinical interventions designed to enhance the support network as a way of improving breastfeeding self-efficacy, particularly for women at risk for early weaning.

scholarly journals Online support groups for head and neck cancer and health-related quality of life

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2351-2362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamar Algtewi ◽  
Janine Owens ◽  
Sarah R. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Purpose To investigate the association between using online support groups (OSGs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the psychosocial factors that may influence this association among individuals with head and neck (H&N) cancer. Method A sample of 199 persons with H&N cancer using four OSGs completed an online questionnaire using six pre-validated measures for social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, adjustment, empowerment and quality of life. In addition, socio-demographic as well as illness-related and OSGs-related information was collected. Results Participants who had better HRQoL had been using OSGs for a longer time than those who had worse HRQoL (B = 0.07, p < 0.05). Depression and adjustment were the only direct mediators in this association, whereas self-efficacy, anxiety and empowerment appeared as indirect mediators. Conclusion Participation in OSGs was found to be associated to better HRQoL either directly or indirectly through decreasing depression, anxiety and the negative adjustment behaviours and increasing self-efficacy and empowerment of the users. The study presented a potential model of pathways linking OSG use and HRQoL for those with H&N cancer. However, the model needs to be tested in future longitudinal studies and the associations proposed need to be explored in greater detail.

scholarly journals ‘Surely you’re not still breastfeeding’: a qualitative exploration of women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e035199
Author(s):  
Amy J Thompson ◽  
Annie E Topping ◽  
Laura L Jones
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

ObjectivesTo explore women’s experiences of breastfeeding beyond infancy (>1 year). Understanding these experiences, including the motivators, enablers and barriers faced, may help inform future strategies to support and facilitate mothers to breastfeed for an optimal duration.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study using an interpretive approach. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted (in person, via phone or Skype), transcribed and thematically analysed using the framework method.SettingParticipants drawn from across the UK through online breastfeeding support groups.ParticipantsMaximum variation sample of women currently breastfeeding a child older than 1 year, or who had done so in the previous 5 years. Participants were included if over 18, able to speak English at conversational level and resident in the UK.ResultsThe findings offer insights into the challenges faced by women breastfeeding older children, including perceived social and cultural barriers. Three core themes were interpreted: (1) parenting philosophy; (2) breastfeeding beliefs; (3) transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Women had not intended to breastfeed beyond infancy prior to delivery, but developed a ‘child-led’ approach to parenting and internalised strong beliefs that breastfeeding is the biological norm. Women perceived a negative shift in approval for continued breastfeeding as their child transitioned from ‘baby’ to ‘toddler’. This compelled woman to conceal breastfeeding and fostered a reluctance to seek advice from healthcare professionals. Mothers reported feeling pressured to breastfeed when their babies were young, but discouraged as children grew. They identified best with the term ‘natural-term breastfeeding’.ConclusionsThis study suggests that providing antenatal education regarding biological weaning ages and promotion of guidelines for optimum breastfeeding duration may encourage more women to breastfeed for longer. Promoting the concept of natural-term breastfeeding to mothers, and healthcare professionals, employers and the public is necessary to normalise and encourage acceptance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.

scholarly journals Perceived emotional and informational support for cancer: Patients’ perspectives on interpersonal versus media sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Bol ◽  
Camella J. Rising ◽  
Julia C. M. van Weert
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Patient Association ◽  
The Media ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Equivalent Sources

Abstract This study examined cancer patients’ (N = 355, 65.4 % female, Mage  = 54.35, SDage  = 11.25) perceived emotional and informational support from a variety of interpersonal and media sources. We recruited patients from cancer patient association websites and online cancer forums and asked them to report to what extent they received support from interpersonal and media sources. Patients rated professional sources (e. g., oncologists) and personal sources (e. g., family) as nearly equal sources of emotional support; however, professional sources were rated as significantly greater sources of informational support. Although family and oncologists were the most mentioned interpersonal sources of support, they were also the most mentioned disappointing sources. Of the media sources, online interaction sources (e. g., online support groups) were rated as nearly equivalent sources of emotional support as interpersonal sources. That patients perceived emotional support, not only informational support, from various media sources is promising since interpersonal sources can be disappointing to some patients.

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