BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding self-efficacy among both mothers and fathers is critical in enhancing exclusive breastfeeding rates. However, the interrelationship between maternal and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and their determinants remains unknown. RESEARCH AIMS: We aimed to (a) investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy scores postpartum for mothers and fathers
(b) explore factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy in this group
and (c) examine determinants of combined self-efficacy scores among breastfeeding parents in Malawi. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on postpartum mother-father couples at a tertiary maternity facility in central Malawi. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and health variables. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Mothers demonstrated a higher score of self-efficacy ( CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is highly correlated between mothers and fathers, with a relatively higher score in mothers. Importantly, sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological determinants play a substantial role in influencing parental breastfeeding efficacy. This highlights the necessity of incorporating both mothers and fathers into future breastfeeding promotion strategies.