Factors associated with maternal fatigue and perceived self-efficacy for breastfeeding in women and transgender men

Purpose To evaluate the perception of fatigue and self-efficacy for breastfeeding in women and transgender men. Methods The survey was conducted virtually, and the participants completed the Severity of Fatigue and Self-Efficacy of Breastfeeding Scales – Short Version”, and questions about sociocultural and demographic data, after signing the informed consent form. The results were analyzed by the Chi-square Test, with a significance of 5%. Values greater than 28 points on the scale used indicated the presence of fatigue and, for self-efficacy, efficacy was classified as low (score between fourteen and 32 points. Results The sample consisted of 334 participants, aged between 18 and 43 years (mean: 31.74 ± 5.29). Most residents were from the northeast, and southeast of Brazil and declared having a higher education, with a complete postgraduate degree (n=182, 54.49%). Regarding maternal fatigue during breastfeeding, most of the sample shows fatigue (n=314; 94.01%). The results that revealed statistically significant differences were: schooling (p=0.002), help with the baby (p=0.013), if you stopped receiving help because of the contagion of Covid-19 (p=0.003), the number of prenatal consultations (p=0.025) and type of delivery (p<0.001). As for the results related to self-efficacy for breastfeeding, most obtained an average rating, with some variables having an impact on this perception, such as offering a bottle (p=0.018), self-efficacy paired with schooling and monthly income (p<0.001), and if stopped receiving help with the baby for fear of contagion and diagnosis of Covid-19 (p=0.018). Conclusion High-intensity fatigue and the perception of self-efficacy average, highlight the need for intervention as soon as possible, in order to improve maternal mental health during breastfeeding and avoid early weaning.