# Factors associated with maternal attention and distraction during breastfeeding and childcare: A cross-sectional study in the west of Iran

## TL;DR

This study explores what causes mothers in western Iran to be distracted during breastfeeding and childcare, finding that smartphone use is a major factor.

## Contribution

The study identifies smartphone use as the primary source of maternal distraction during childcare and breastfeeding in western Iran.

## Key findings

- Smartphone use was the highest source of distraction during breastfeeding (62.14%) and childcare (79.64%).
- Mothers with three or more children experienced higher distraction levels compared to those with fewer children.
- Education level, number of children, and economic status significantly influenced maternal attention and distraction (p < 0.05).

## Abstract

This study was designed to address factors associated with maternal attention and distraction during breastfeeding and childcare and the role of smartphones in western Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 breastfeeding mothers in Iran in 2024. The data collection tools included a demographic-obstetric questionnaire and the Maternal Distraction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16, and the significance level was set less than 0.05.

The highest distraction during breastfeeding was associated with mobile phone use (62.14%), while the lowest was linked to reading (6.78%.). Mobile phone use was the highest distraction during breastfeeding and baby care (79.64%), while the lowest was reading a book (12.86%). Additionally, individual and social variables, such as education level, number of children, and economic status, were significantly associated with maternal attention and distraction levels (p < 0.05).

Distraction during breastfeeding and during child care between women with three or more children was higher compared with women with one child. Additionally, distraction during child care between women with three or more children was higher compared with women with two children.