ASSESS THE LEVEL OF SELF-CONFIDENCE IN MATERNAL ROLE AMONG FIRST TIME MOTHERS WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP A SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, ERNAKULAM.

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of self-confidence in maternal role among first time mothers in a selected Hospital in Ernakulum, Kerala. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of self confidence in maternal role among first time mothers, to find the association between self-confidence in the maternal role of first time mothers with selected demographic variables and to develop a self-instructional module regarding maternal role. A total of 60 first time mothers were selected using convenience sampling technique. Modified Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale was used to assess the self-confidence of first time mothers. The confidences of the maternal roles were categorized into “not at all confident”, “a little confident” and “confident”. The study results revealed that 13.3%, 18.3% and 38.3% were not at all confident in holding, feeding and burping the baby respectively and also 80% of the mothers were not at all confident to give baby bath. Little confidence was reported by 51.7% of mothers in managing the needs of the baby along with household works, 35% on safety needs, 31.7% on eye care and 30% on cord care. Majority (93.3%) of the mothers were confident regarding partner support and family support. The present study revealed that among 60 first times postnatal mothers, 60% were little confident, 30% not at all confident and 10% of were confident in various maternal roles and there is no significant association between self-confidence with demographic variables. The study concludes that majority of the postnatal mothers had lack of confidence in various maternal roles. So based on the study results, the researcher developed a self-instructional module to increase the self confidence of postnatal mothers.