Predicting mothers' choice of infant feeding method

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on maternal attitudes towards infant feeding methods.
• Understanding factors influencing infant feeding choices is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of attitudes, perceived norms, and beliefs on infant feeding intentions and behavior.
• To assess the applicability of the theory of reasoned action to infant feeding choices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Fishbein & Ajzen's theory of reasoned action.
• Surveyed 50 primiparous mothers regarding their attitudes, norms, and beliefs about infant feeding.
• Assessed antenatal intentions and self-reported feeding behavior during the first six weeks postpartum.

Main Results:

• Maternal attitudes were a significant predictor of infant feeding behavior.
• Findings generally aligned with the theory of reasoned action.
• Attitudes towards the behavior independently predicted feeding choices, with beliefs about consequences also showing influence.

Conclusions:

• Maternal attitudes play a key role in infant feeding method selection.
• The theory of reasoned action provides a useful framework for understanding these choices.
• Further research can refine the understanding of contributing factors to infant feeding behavior.