Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding Myths and Their Determinants Among Women of Generations X, Y, and Z: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine attitudes toward breastfeeding myths among women from Generations X, Y, and Z and to identify sociodemographic and experiential factors associated with belief in breastfeeding myths.Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted in T & uuml;rkiye. Data were collected online from 360 women aged 18 years and older through convenience snowball sampling between June and October 2025. The Personal Information Form and the Breastfeeding Myths Scale were used as data collection tools. Differences between generations were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, and predictors of breastfeeding myths were examined using linear regression analysis.Results: Breastfeeding myth scores differed significantly across generations, with the highest scores observed among Generation X and the lowest among Generation Z (p = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that lack of breastfeeding-related information (B = 10.481, p = 0.001), lack of prior breastfeeding experience (B = 9.131, p = 0.008), and receiving breastfeeding support primarily from mothers or mothers-in-law (B = 17.901, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher breastfeeding myth scores. Being a member of Generation Z was associated with lower myth belief compared with the reference group (B = -3.776, p = 0.021). The final model explained 20.5% of the variance in breastfeeding myth scores (R 2 = 0.205).Conclusion: The findings indicate that generational differences exist in attitudes toward breastfeeding myths, with younger women reporting fewer myth-related beliefs. Access to accurate information, prior breastfeeding experience, and professional support appear to play important roles in reducing misconceptions. These findings may help inform generation-sensitive breastfeeding education and counseling strategies in T & uuml;rkiye.