Predictors of Continuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First Six Months of Life
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2010
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Human Lactation
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relative importance of the psychosocial factors underlying mother's decision to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months using the theory of planned behavior. A cohort of EBF-mothers (N = 78) completed a questionnaire assessing theoretical constructs at baseline and phone-interviewed at follow-up. Multiple regression analyses were performed to find important predictors of intention, overall and married vs unmarried. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control together explained 50.2% (P <.01) of the variance in mothers' intention to continue EBF for 6 months. Attitude and subjective norm were better predictors of the intention than perceived behavioral control. The role of subjective norm was greater in married than in unmarried women. A strong, positive correlation ('3 = 0.67, P <.01) was found between intended and actual EBF duration. Intervention programs designed to positively influence mother's attitude and social support may be effective in improving intention, thereby increasing EBF maintenance for 6 months.
DOI
10.1177/0890334409350168
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Bai, Yeon; Middlestadt, Susan E.; Peng, C. Y.Joanne; and Fly, Alyce D., "Predictors of Continuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First Six Months of Life" (2010). Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works. 84.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/nutr-foodstudies-facpubs/84
