Article 2025 · 1 citations

Problematic Social Media Use and Its Relationship with Breastfeeding Behaviors and Anxiety in Social Media-Native Mothers: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Social Media Use has become an integral part of contemporary motherhood, with potential effects on maternal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic social media use, anxiety levels, infant feeding attitudes, and feeding intentions among social media-native mothers. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used with 222 mothers. Quantitative data were collected using the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), Social Media Disorders Scale (SMDS-9), Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IOWA), and Newborn Feeding Intention Scale (IFI). Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analyses explored associations between problematic social media use, anxiety, and feeding-related outcomes, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: SMDS-9 scores were generally low; only 2.7% of participants reported low feeding intention. No significant association was found between problematic social media use and breastfeeding intention or attitudes. Mothers with strong breastfeeding intentions demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward nursing than those with lower intentions. Higher problematic social media use was observed among high school graduates and those from high-income groups. Qualitative analysis identified two main themes of Negative Impacts and Positive Impacts, as well as five sub-themes of comparison and inadequacy, information overload, breastfeeding mistakes, anxiety, and social support. Conclusions: Problematic social media use did not directly affect breastfeeding intentions or attitudes; however, high school-educated and high-income mothers were more likely to report higher usage. Incorporating social media literacy into prenatal education and adapting tools for assessing postpartum anxiety to include indicators for problematic social media use, particularly for these at-risk groups, may support early detection, reduce stress, and promote positive breastfeeding practices.

Keywords

problematic social media use anxiety breastfeeding attitudes infant feeding intention perinatal education social media-native mothers FACEBOOK USE ADAPTATION VALIDATION SCALE MODEL SELF

WoS Categories

Health Care Sciences & Services Health Policy & Services

Sustainable Development Goals

Gender Equality Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Journal: HEALTHCARE
Year: 2025
Volume: 13
Issue: 17
eISSN: 2227-9032
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13172216
WoS UID: WOS:001569745100001

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