The Impact of Demographic and Obstetric Characteristics on Parental Self-Efficacy Among Postpartum Mothers

This study aimed to elucidate the influence of demographic and obstetric characteristics on parental self-efficacy among mothers in the postpartum period. This descriptive, cross-sectional study employed snowball sampling to recruit mothers during the postpartum period (1–40 days) (n=113). This study was conducted between October 2023 and September 2024. Data were collected using a “Demographic and Obstetric Data Form” and “The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale”. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. The median maternal age was 30 years (Interquartile Range=6). Of the participants, 89.4% (n=101) reported planned pregnancies, and 40.7% (n=46) had normal/vaginal births. Of the mothers, 61.1% were primiparous, and 23% had experienced miscarriage or curettage. The perceived parental self-efficacy level was moderate (median=63, Interquartile Range=13). Although many factors did not significantly affect the mothers’ perceived parental self-efficacy levels, age, parity, history of miscarriage/curettage, and access to postpartum social support exerted varying degrees of influence. These findings highlight the importance of specific obstetric history factors and postpartum social support in shaping perceived parental self-efficacy. Multidisciplinary teams of nurses, midwives, psychologists, and social workers should be actively involved in holistic care, including education, counseling, and ongoing care support to improve parental self-efficacy.