Public breastfeeding experiences and attitudes of women in Türkiye
Discover public health, cilt.23, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12982-026-02064-0
- Dergi Adı: Discover public health
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitude, Breast feeding, Mothers, Public opinion
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the public breastfeeding experiences and attitudes of women in Türkiye and identify associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 275 breastfeeding women at a public hospital in Istanbul between October 2023 and October 2024. Data were collected via a 35-item structured questionnaire and analyzed using chi-square and post hoc tests. Results: While 50.5% of participants found public breastfeeding acceptable, 73.8% perceived breastfeeding with exposed breasts as shameful. Most (97.8%) supported the availability of private breastfeeding areas. Education level, employment status, and exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with attitudes toward public breastfeeding. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for public health strategies to normalize breastfeeding in public and support mothers’ rights to breastfeed wherever they choose.