Related Experiment Videos
Development of the Breast-Feeding Attrition Prediction Tool
1School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Nursing Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study validated the Breast-Feeding Attrition Prediction Tool, finding that perceived difficulty and lack of support predict early weaning in postpartum women. The tool accurately identified 73% of women who stopped breastfeeding prematurely.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Nursing
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health but attrition rates are high.
- Predicting and preventing early breastfeeding cessation is a public health priority.
- The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provides a framework for understanding health behaviors like breastfeeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the psychometric properties of a revised Breast-Feeding Attrition Prediction Tool.
- To assess the tool's ability to predict breastfeeding cessation based on TPB constructs.
- To identify factors associated with premature breastfeeding discontinuation.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 201 postpartum women planning to breastfeed for at least 8 weeks was recruited.
- Factor analysis identified four scales measuring TPB constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
- Discriminant analysis was used to predict breastfeeding attrition at 8 weeks.
Main Results:
- All scales demonstrated moderate internal consistency (alphas .79–.85).
- Perceived difficulty, lower perceived support, and greater perceived advantages of formula feeding were associated with premature weaning.
- The tool correctly identified 73% of women who weaned prematurely.
Conclusions:
- The revised Breast-Feeding Attrition Prediction Tool is a psychometrically sound instrument.
- The tool can identify women at high risk for early breastfeeding cessation.
- Interventions targeting perceived difficulty and support may help reduce breastfeeding attrition.