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

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.