title: Predictors of continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
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 (gamma = 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Montclair State University, NJ 07043, USA. baiy@mail.montclair.edu
authors.forename: Yeon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Middlestadt
authors.forename: C-Y Joanne
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Alyce D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Fly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires