title: An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of School-Based Breastfeeding Education.
abstract: School-based interventions aimed at modifying the knowledge, attitudes, social norms, and intended future practice regarding breastfeeding may be an effective way of improving breastfeeding rates. A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted to identify scientifically rigorous studies on school-based interventions and promotion activities that focus on breastfeeding. Of the 1990 citations reviewed, only 6 empirical articles on school-based interventions to promote breastfeeding were found and these interventions vary greatly in terms of format, duration, outcome measures, and significance of the results. Overall, these studies demonstrated positive effects on perceptions and attitudes toward breastfeeding and increased behavioral intention of breastfeeding later in life. School-based breastfeeding promotion programs hold promise for increasing knowledge of breastfeeding and support for breastfeeding, promoting positive attitudes, creating a culture where breastfeeding is the norm, and increasing future intentions to breastfeed.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Professional Programs, York College of The City University of New York, Jamaica, NY, USA dbglaser@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Debra B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Glaser
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Professional Programs, York College of The City University of New York, Jamaica, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Grosskopf
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Corey H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Basch
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D012572:School Health Services; D066262:Social Norms
keywords: breastfeeding; curriculum; education; schools