Toward Authentic Resources Among Mothers

Impact of Cyberchondria on Maternal Self‐Efficacy and Breastfeeding Competency

Bibliographic Data

ID15536740
AuthorsShaimaa Mohamed Amin (0000-0001-9467-3211, Qassim University), Nagwa Ibrahim Mohamed Hamad (0000-0002-5133-4620, Riyadh Elm University), Mahmoud Ahmed Elsheikh (0000-0002-4256-9516, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University), Doaa Kadry Mahmoud Abd El-Razek (Zagazig University), Doaa Kadry Mahmoud Abd El‐Razek (Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Zagazig University Egypt), Esraa Mohammed Abd El Aziz Al Hanbaly (Zagazig University), Hibah Abdulrahim Bahri (0000-0001-5258-873X, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem (0000-0001-6497-0952, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Heba Emad El‐Gazar (0000-0002-0185-859X, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University), Mohamed A Zoromba (0000-0002-4298-1121, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University), Marwa Mohamed Ahmed Ouda (Damanhour University), Rodaina Ahmed Mokbel (0000-0001-8667-5612, Damanhour University), Mohamed Hussein Ramadan Atta (0000-0002-5518-0892, Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Wadi Addawasir Saudi Arabia), Mohamed Atta (0000-0002-5112-1131, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume22
Issue1
Pagese70166-e70166
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.70166
PMID41770833
OpenAlexW7133317189
LanguageEN
References cited40

The postpartum period is a critical stage where maternal confidence and self-efficacy significantly influence breastfeeding success and overall adjustment. Cyberchondria refers to the repetitive searching for health-related information online, which can lead mothers to doubt their caregiving abilities, lower their confidence, and negatively impact their perceived competence in breastfeeding and infant care. This study explored the relationship between cyberchondria, maternal self-efficacy, and breastfeeding perceived competency among postpartum mothers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 300 mothers within 2 months of childbirth, recruited through a two-stage random sampling method from primary health care facilities in Zagazig district, Egypt. Participants completed validated Arabic versions of the Cyberchondria Scale (CS), the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale, and the breastfeeding competency scale (BCS). Findings revealed that higher cyberchondria levels were linked with lower maternal self-efficacy and diminished breastfeeding competency. Maternal self-efficacy demonstrated a significant positive association with breastfeeding perceived competency and partially mediated the relationship between cyberchondria and breastfeeding competency. These results suggest that online health-seeking behaviors may undermine maternal confidence and skills, highlighting the importance of incorporating digital health literacy interventions into postpartum care. Supporting mothers in navigating online health information effectively may enhance self-efficacy and improve breastfeeding outcomes

Breastfeeding · Breastfeeding promotion · Competence (human resources · Health literacy · Information seeking behavior · Postpartum period · Psychological intervention · Scale (ratio · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

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