The effects of an infant-feeding classroom activity on the breast-feeding knowledge and intentions of adolescents.
This study examined the impact of an infant-feeding classroom activity on the breast-feeding knowledge and intentions of adolescents living in Nova Scotia, Canada. One hundred twenty-one students attending two high schools were administered one pretest and two posttest questionnaires. Students were arbitrarily assigned to a control or intervention group. The intervention group partook in a 60-minute classroom activity on infant feeding. Findings indicated that students in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater breast-feeding knowledge at Posttest 1 and at 10 weeks postintervention. Students in the intervention group reported a significantly greater intention toward breast-feeding their own future children; an increase was sustained at 10 weeks. These findings suggest that adolescents' knowledge of and intention toward breast-feeding may be positively influenced during their teen years. School nurses are well positioned to support and encourage the inclusion of breast-feeding content in school curricula to enhance adolescents' knowledge and intentions toward breast-feeding.
Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Audrey
A
Walsh
Jane
J
Moseley
Winston
W
Jackson
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D009674:Nova Scotia; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012573:School Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires