Effects of Breastfeeding Knowledge and Health Beliefs Regarding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Breastfeeding Intention of Pregnant Women

Purpose: Research has shown that breastfeeding knowledge related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs affect breastfeeding intention. However, research has been limited on the effects of pregnant women’s GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs on breastfeeding intentions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs on breastfeeding intention. Methods: A total of 229 healthy pregnant women visiting an antenatal clinic in Nepal participated in this study between January and March 2023. They completed a questionnaire that assessed their GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge, GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs, and breastfeeding intention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffé’s post-hoc test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the participants, 86.9% (n = 199) indicated their breastfeeding intention, even with a relatively low level of GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge. Logistic regression analysis of the factors influencing breastfeeding intention yielded a significant model (χ² = 38.80, p < .001) with significant variables. GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.02-1.40), GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15), and immediate family history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 5.38, 95% CI: 1.98-14.620) were found to affect breastfeeding intentions. Conclusion: Efficient interventions regarding breastfeeding for pregnant women should be implemented. They should provide sufficient information on the benefits of breastfeeding to prevent the long-term influence of GDM and strategies reinforcing GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs through positive breastfeeding experiences.