Impact of intervention on breastfeeding outcomes and determinants based on theory of planned behavior

The effect of breastfeeding education with digital storytelling on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy

RATIONALE

There is growing evidence that fathers play an important role in the breastfeeding process and that fathers need education about breastfeeding. In our age of rapidly developing technology, the use of new teaching techniques in the education of fathers will provide more effective results.

AIMS

In this study, the effect of breastfeeding education given with digital storytelling method on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was examined.

METHODS

The study is a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted with the husbands of 80 pregnant women admitted to the childbirth preparation class of a state hospital. The study included a control group and an intervention of educational videos using a digital storytelling technique. Fathers were recruited from hospital antenatal classes and randomized to one of the two groups. Personal Information Form and Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form were used for data collection. Each father completed data collection forms at the beginning of the study and at 3 months postpartum. The η2 effect size was calculated for significant differences in the independent and dependent groups t test methods used in the analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the fathers in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). When the effect sizes were analysed, it was found that the increase in the intervention group (t = -24.342) was higher than the control group (t = -8.385).

CONCLUSION

In the current study, the effect of using digital storytelling method in breastfeeding education on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was found to be significantly higher than routine education. It is recommended that this new method be used in education and counselling and that studies be conducted to examine its effect on breastfeeding behaviour and fathers' breastfeeding support.

Theoretical approaches in the development of interventions to promote breastfeeding: A scoping review

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND

There is a low world rate of exclusive breastfeeding and a short duration of breastfeeding. More studies have constructed interventions to improve breastfeeding behavior, but the actual effect is not significant.

AIM

The purpose of this review is identifying the ways that various theories have an influence on theory-based breastfeeding intervention studies.

METHODS

A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework explored breastfeeding promotion practices. PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from database creation to March 9, 2024. Building on previous research, key terms were used to search the literature. Data analysis involved descriptive and interpretive summaries of theories used and the proposed interventions.

FINDINGS

An online search yielded 906 articles, with 28 meeting the inclusion criteria for the scoping review, including 5 reviews and 23 articles. Reviews demonstrated that interventions based on theories were more effective. Articles promoting breastfeeding used theories of self-efficacy (n = 9), theory of planned behavior (n = 8), social cognitive theory (n = 5) and individual and family self-management theory (n = 1). These theories were used in developing specific content of the intervention program (n = 20, 86.9%), constructing the framework of the program (n = 10, 43.5%), and evaluating outcomes (n = 19, 82.6%). Most interventions focused on education, professional support, and/or peer support for breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

Theory can guide decisions and play a role in selecting a methodology or lens. Researchers should make deliberate choices in the use of a theory that relates to aspects of breastfeeding behavior. Future interventions based on theories should be more varied and effective and need to consider families' and social factors.

Theory-based mHealth targeting fathers and mothers to improve exclusive breastfeeding: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Exclusive breastfeeding remains sub-optimal in low-income countries contributing to infant mortality. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, delivered through personal mobile phones, to improve exclusive breastfeeding have shown promise, but very few include fathers or have been applied in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a SMS-based breastfeeding intervention targeting fathers and mothers in improving exclusive breastfeeding at three months in a low-income country.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was carried out with couples in their last trimester of pregnancy, at health centers, Mekelle, Tigray. This study was conducted from September 2018 to March 2019. The SMS-based intervention delivered a total of 16 SMS text messages to two arms: mothers-and-fathers, and mothers-only with the third group acting as the control. The main outcome measure was exclusive breastfeeding at months one, two and three after birth.

RESULT

There were no significant differences in exclusive breastfeeding at month one between the three, mothers-and-fathers (95.1%), mother-only (90.2%), and control group (85%). At month three 85% of babies were exclusively breastfed in the mothers-and-fathers compared to 60% in the control group (p = 0.01). At month three 80% of babies were exclusively breastfed in the mothers-only compared to 60% in the control group (p = 0.04). In the multivariate analysis, babies born to mothers in the mother-and-fathers group were almost five times more likely to be exclusively breastfeed at three months than babies born to mothers who received standard care [AOR: 4.88, 95% CI (1.35,17.63)].

CONCLUSION

An mHealth intervention targeting fathers and mothers, and mothers increased the likelihood of babies being exclusively breastfed at three months. The risk of not exclusively breastfeeding in the control group increased over time. A low-cost SMS-based breastfeeding intervention targeting fathers and mothers showed potential to improve exclusive breastfeeding. Such mHealth interventions could be integrated into the antenatal and postnatal follow-up services provided by midwives.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12,618,001,481,268.

Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies

BACKGROUND

There is extensive evidence of important health risks for infants and mothers related to not breastfeeding. In 2003, the World Health Organization recommended that infants be breastfed exclusively until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant's diet until at least two years of age. However, current breastfeeding rates in many countries do not reflect this recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

1. To describe types of breastfeeding support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. 2. To examine the effectiveness of different types of breastfeeding support interventions in terms of whether they offered only breastfeeding support or breastfeeding support in combination with a wider maternal and child health intervention ('breastfeeding plus' support).  3. To examine the effectiveness of the following intervention characteristics on breastfeeding support:      a. type of support (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, digital technologies, group or individual support, proactive or reactive);      b. intensity of support (i.e. number of postnatal contacts);      c. person delivering the intervention (e.g. healthcare professional, lay person);     d. to examine whether the impact of support varied between high- and low-and middle-income countries.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (which includes results of searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)) (11 May 2021) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing extra support for healthy breastfeeding mothers of healthy term babies with usual maternity care. Support could be provided face-to-face, over the phone or via digital technologies. All studies had to meet the trustworthiness criteria.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and study trustworthiness.  The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

This updated review includes 116 trials of which 103 contribute data to the analyses. In total more than 98,816 mother-infant pairs were included.  Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that 'breastfeeding only' support probably reduced the number of women stopping breastfeeding for all primary outcomes: stopping any breastfeeding at six months (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.89 to 0.97); stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93); stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97); and stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 (RR 0.83 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90). Similar findings were reported for the secondary breastfeeding outcomes except for any breastfeeding at two months and 12 months when the evidence was uncertain if 'breastfeeding only' support helped reduce the number of women stopping breastfeeding.  The evidence for 'breastfeeding plus' was less consistent. For primary outcomes there was some evidence that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably reduced the number of women stopping any breastfeeding (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97, moderate-certainty evidence) or exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.90).  'Breastfeeding plus' interventions may have a beneficial effect on reducing the number of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.95). The evidence suggests that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably results in little to no difference in the number of women stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.08, moderate-certainty evidence). For the secondary outcomes, it was uncertain if 'breastfeeding plus' support helped reduce the number of women stopping any or exclusive breastfeeding at any time points.  There were no consistent findings emerging from the narrative synthesis of the non-breastfeeding outcomes (maternal satisfaction with care, maternal satisfaction with feeding method, infant morbidity, and maternal mental health), except for a possible reduction of diarrhoea in intervention infants.  We considered the overall risk of bias of trials included in the review was mixed. Blinding of participants and personnel is not feasible in such interventions and as studies utilised self-report breastfeeding data, there is also a risk of bias in outcome assessment.   We conducted meta-regression to explore substantial heterogeneity for the primary outcomes using the following categories: person providing care; mode of delivery; intensity of support; and income status of country.  It is possible that moderate levels (defined as 4-8 visits) of 'breastfeeding only' support may be associated with a more beneficial effect on exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks and six months. 'Breastfeeding only' support may also be more effective in reducing women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months compared to women in high-income countries (HICs). However, no other differential effects were found and thus heterogeneity remains largely unexplained. The meta-regression suggested that there were no differential effects regarding person providing support or mode of delivery, however, power was limited.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When 'breastfeeding only' support is offered to women, the duration and in particular, the exclusivity of breastfeeding is likely to be increased. Support may also be more effective in reducing the number of women stopping breastfeeding at three to four months compared to later time points.  For 'breastfeeding plus' interventions the evidence is less certain. Support may be offered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Support can also be offered face-to-face, via telephone or digital technologies, or a combination and may be more effective when delivered on a schedule of four to eight visits. Further work is needed to identify components of the effective interventions and to deliver interventions on a larger scale.

The Effect of a Theory-Based Educational Intervention on Reducing Aggressive Behavior among Male Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Introduction

One of the most challenging issues in public health is preventing aggression and violent behavior, generally in the adolescent population. Intervention studies in this field, especially in Iran, were few. Moreover, their findings are controversial. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on reducing aggression among male students.

Method

This study used a randomized controlled trial design. The sample comprised 98 middle school students aged between 13 and 16 years (14.28 ± 0.7). Educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of five sessions of 45-60 minutes. Data were collected using two self-administered questionnaires to measure aggression and constructs of TPB. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, and chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in all TPB constructs except the subjective norms, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). After two months of intervention, the mean score of the aggression behaviors in students in the experimental group showed a remarkable improvement in the experimental group, while the control group showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that the theory-based educational intervention was effective on the improvement of aggressive behavior. To achieve a significant change in perceived mental norms, more training sessions are recommended, and emphasis is placed on educating parents, peers, and school staff.

Promoting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding: a philosophic scoping review

Background

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant’s life and continued breastfeeding for 2 years. The global rate of exclusive breastfeeding is low at 33%. Thus, it is important to identify philosophical and theory-based strategies that can promote exclusive breastfeeding. The aim of the study was to identify philosophical schools of thought and theories used in research on promoting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods

A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework explored the phenomenon of exclusive breastfeeding practice promotion. Searches were conducted using CINAHL Plus full-text, PubMed, APA PsycInfo, and Academic Search Premier. Search terms included theory, philosophy, framework, model, exclusive breastfeeding, promotion, support, English, and publication between 2001—2022.

Results

The online search yielded 1,682 articles, however, only 44 met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. The articles promoting exclusive breastfeeding used pragmatism (n = 1) or phenomenology (n = 2) philosophies and theories of self-efficacy (n = 10), theory of planned behaviour (n = 13), social cognitive theories (n = 18) and represented 16 countries. Theories of self-efficacy and planned behaviour were the most used theories.

Conclusions

This review suggests that theories and models are increasingly being used to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Orienting exclusive breastfeeding programmes within theoretical frameworks is a step in the right direction because theories can sensitize researchers and practitioners to contextually relevant factors and processes appropriate for effective exclusive breastfeeding strategies. Future research should examine the efficacy and effectiveness of theory-informed exclusive breastfeeding programmes over time. Such information is important for designing cost-effective EBF programmes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04689-w.

Educating fathers to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Fathers’ involvement is crucial for promoting breastfeeding. There are a few studies on the effectiveness of fathers’ educational programs to promote exclusive breastfeeding. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a fathers’ educational program on their support for breastfeeding, mothers’ breastfeeding practice, and exclusive breastfeeding status.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial on 76 fathers who were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control, in a selected health center in Iran, 2018.

The tools for data collection were: 1) a questionnaire for “Demographic and Maternal-Infant Information”; 2) a questionnaire to assess “Fathers’ support for Breastfeeding”, and 3) an observational checklist to assess “Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practice”; and 4) a questionnaire to assess “Exclusive Breastfeeding Status”. The questionnaires were filled up through an interview. The checklist was completed through observation by the researcher. The fathers (with the mothers) of the intervention group were educated using individual face-to-face education and counseling, in two sessions, with the duration of about 40 min and one-week interval, whereas, the fathers of the control group did not receive any education and only mothers were educated with the same instruction. The content of the education was: fathers’ education about “benefits of breast milk” and “the supporting ways for breastfeeding including the women encouragement”. Then, the scores of “father’s support for breastfeeding”, “mothers’ breastfeeding practice” and “exclusive breastfeeding status” were compared before and after 4 months of intervention in each group, and also between groups. Data were analyzed using SPPS-23, and t- and paired-tests, Chi-square, and Generalized-Estimating-Equations (GEE) tests.

Results

The results showed two groups were not significantly different regarding the demographic and any other possible confounding variables before the intervention (P < 0.05). The before and after comparisons also demonstrated significant improvements in the two variables including “father’s support for breastfeeding”, and “mothers’ breastfeeding practice after 4 months, in the intervention group (Paired t-test: P<0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively) however, there was a significant decrease in “father’s support for breastfeeding” and no improvement in “mothers’ breastfeeding practice” after 4 months in the control group (Paired t-test: P < 0.001 and P = 0.07, respectively). Between groups comparison showed also significant higher scores for “father’s support for breastfeeding”, “mothers’ breastfeeding practice” and “exclusive breastfeeding status” in the intervention group comparing to the control group, after 4 months (T-test: P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001; Chi2: P < 0.001, respectively). The interaction effects of time and group were significant in the GEE test for the fathers’ support for breastfeeding (B-group = 31.93, B-time = 22.15, p < 0.001) and mothers’ breastfeeding practice (B-group = 26.32, B-time = 12.86, p < 0.0).

Conclusion

The results showed that the father’s education improves mothers’ breastfeeding practice and increases the rate and continuity of exclusive breastfeeding.

Trial registration

IRCT201508248801N10. “31/08/2016”.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07966-8.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #2: Guidelines for Birth Hospitalization Discharge of Breastfeeding Dyads, Revised 2022

A central goal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recognizes that not all lactating individuals identify as women. Using gender-inclusive language, however, is not possible in all languages and all countries and for all readers. The position of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2021.29188.abm) is to interpret clinical protocols within the framework of inclusivity of all breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk-feeding individuals.

A Brief Media Intervention Influences Collegiate Males' Attitude and Knowledge Towards Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of infant nutrition, yet the mother's decision to breastfeed is complex and influenced by factors including social support and breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes. This study employed a two-group pretest-posttest design to examine whether brief, online video presentations (<2.5 minutes in length) could improve breastfeeding knowledge and attitude among males and compare the outcomes between a knowledge-based and attitude-based intervention. Collegiate male participants (N = 213, 18-40 years of age) demonstrated high breastfeeding exposure (90.1% had friends/family breastfeed) and positive attitudes (89.2% accepted women could breastfeed and work outside home) yet knowledge deficits concerning breastfeeding health benefits were identified. Breastfeeding exposure was positively associated with baseline attitude (r(212)=.186, p = .006 and knowledge (r(212)=.229, p = .001. Both intervention groups reported similar gains in attitude scores; only the knowledge-based intervention reported significant gains in knowledge (M = 1.5, SD = 2.63 vs M = -.07, SD = 1.44, (t = -5.496, df = 211, p < .05). Brief online video presentations may constitute an additional exposure to or nudging toward breastfeeding, and breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes can be positively influenced in young adult males with similar interventions that are affordable and require a minimal time commitment.

Effect of educational program based on theory of planned behavior on osteoporosis preventive behaviors: a randomized clinical trial

Background

The prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing worldwide. Implementing educational programs is an important step in prevention of chronic diseases in the community setting. This study was conducted to assess the effect of educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on the osteoporosis preventive behaviors in middle-aged individuals.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 64 middle-aged individuals presenting to primary care centers. A researcher-made questionnaire developed according to “a guide for compiling and analyzing the questionnaire based on TPB” was used for data collection. Random block sampling was applied to assign participants to control and intervention groups after ensuring the validity and reliability. An educational program on osteoporosis prevention was conducted in six educational sessions based on the TPB constructs for the intervention group in primary care centers. Control group received routine education about lifestyle changes including osteoporosis by primary care centers. Eight weeks after the intervention, the questionnaires were completed again and the data were analyzed using the SPSS V16 software.

Results

Independent t-test found no significant difference in the mean score of knowledge, osteoporosis preventive behavior, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention between intervention and control groups before intervention (p > 0.05). After the intervention, however, a significant difference was found in the mean score of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention between the cases in intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). In addition, based on repeated measurement ANOVA, the intervention had a significant effect on knowledge, preventive behaviors, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that implementation of an educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior significantly increased the knowledge along with all constructs of TPB in osteoporosis preventive behaviors.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017081735647N2 (11/10/2017).

Breastfeeding counseling based on formative research at primary healthcare Services in Mexico

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding rates in Mexico are far from World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations with 28.8% of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) under 6 months of age, according to the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Formative research has shown that culturally appropriate counseling is an effective breastfeeding intervention. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of interpersonal counseling on EBF in a primary healthcare center in Tijuana, México.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial pilot with a sample of mothers with infants under 4 months of age from a primary care center. Participants were randomized into two groups: 1) Control group, received counseling on immunizations and standard infant feeding information, and 2) Intervention group, receiving breastfeeding counseling using a socio-ecological framework. Changes in breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy and EBF were evaluated at 2 months post-intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 80 mothers completed the 2 month follow up assessment (40 in each group). The mean age at baseline was 26.4 years for mothers and 1.4 months for infants. There was a 30% increase in EBF at 2 months follow up in the intervention group and 15% decrease in the control group post-intervention. We observed a significant improvement in breastfeeding attitudes (P = 0.0001), self-efficacy (P = 0.046) and EBF (P = 0.0001) in the intervention group. Reported obstacles were discomfort of breastfeeding in public (23%), infant dissatisfaction (23%), pain (19%), insufficient milk supply (15%) and returning to work (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding counseling based on previous formative research improved breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy and practices in this population. These findings suggest that the promotion of breastfeeding utilizing a socio-ecological framework may improve breastfeeding rates by addressing the needs of women within their varying sociocultural contexts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN: ACTRN12621000915853 . Retrospectively registered.

Effects of a theory of planned behavior-based intervention on breastfeeding behaviors after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of an intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in improving breastfeeding behavior among women with cesarean sections (C-sections).

Methods

This research was a randomized controlled trial. Women with planned elective C-sections were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial between June and September 2020. One hundred thirty-two women were divided randomly into the intervention (n = 66) and control group (n = 66) by systematic random sampling. In the intervention group, an intervention project was implemented after the C-section to establish positive breastfeeding attitudes, cultivate supportive subjective norms, enhance perceived behavioral control, and strengthen breastfeeding intention to change behaviors. Those in the control group received routine pre-and post-delivery care. Exclusive breastfeeding rate and breast problem were collected at 5 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month after C-section. The modified Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Tool (BAPT) on the first day in the hospital, two weeks, and one month after C-section and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 24 h postoperatively were used to compare the intervention effect between the two groups.

Results

After the intervention, the intervention group had significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates than the control group at five days (86.4% vs. 60.6%), two weeks (77.3% vs. 57.6%), and one month (74.2% vs. 50.0%) after the C-section. Besides, the intervention group was less likely to have sore nipples at five days (6.1% vs. 18.2% in the control group, P < 0.05) and two weeks (9.1% vs. 12.1% in the control group, P < 0.05). After two weeks of intervention, attitude scores (90.64 ± 8.31 vs. 87.20 ± 8.15, P < 0.05), subjective norm scores (88.07 ± 24.65 vs. 79.42 ± 19.47, P < 0.05）and behavior control scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group. After one month of intervention, attitude scores (90.34 ± 10.35 vs. 84.22 ± 10.51, P < 0.05) and behavior control scores (43.13 ± 5.02 vs. 39.15 ± 4.69, P < 0.05）in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which resulted in the higher breastfeeding intention in the intervention group.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the TPB-based interventions effectively improved women's breastfeeding behaviors after C-sections.

Client-Centered Breastfeeding-Promotion Strategies: Q Methodology

Fewer Korean women are choosing the 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding that are recommended for obtaining its maximal benefits despite an increasing effort to promote breastfeeding. Successful breastfeeding education and counseling need to be segmentally designed on the basis of client characteristics. This study explored the perceptions of breastfeeding in pregnant and 6 month postpartum Korean women using the Q methodology, a useful research approach to examine personal perceptions, feelings, and values about a concept or phenomenon of interest and identify typologies of perspectives. The Q sample consisted of 38 statements representing the universe of viewpoints on breastfeeding. The P sample (N = 49) included women who shared their perceptions of breastfeeding and filled each grid with a statement in the Q sorting table. Data were analyzed using the PC-QUANL program. Varimax (orthogonal) rotation revealed four factors that explained 53.0% of variance: maternal privilege (Factor 1), option based on emotion (Factor 2), option if efficient (Factor 3), and option if I have sufficient problem-solving skills (Factor 4). Korean women have changed their attitudes toward breastfeeding, with all participants viewing breastfeeding as optional. Breastfeeding-promotion campaigns and education need to consider societal norms and changes in women's beliefs and perceptions.

The Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB-Q): A psychometric validation study

Objectives

Questionnaires used to assess women’s beliefs as a predictor of breastfeeding behaviour are not theoretically informed or tested for psychometric validity and reliability. This study conducted a psychometric evaluation of the Beliefs About Breastfeeding Questionnaire (BAB‐Q).

Design

A two‐phase evaluation in an online cross‐sectional questionnaire study (N = 278) and cohort study sample (N = 264). A ten‐item questionnaire was proposed to assess women’s beliefs about the benefits and efforts of breastfeeding.

Methods

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed construct validity and reliability. Multivariate regression analyses assessed validity in predicting breastfeeding behaviour and experiences.

Results

EFA found a shortened 8‐item, 2‐factor model had good fit (χ² = 23.3, df = 13, p < .040; CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .05), with significant factor loadings. Factor 1 (benefit beliefs) and factor 2 (effort beliefs) accounted for 47 and 19.4% of the explained variance and correlated moderately (r = −.40). CFA confirmed the solution in the cohort sample (χ² = 49.6 df = 19, p < .010; CFI = .97, TLI = .96, and RMSEA = .078). Adjusted regression analyses found beliefs did not reliably predict infant feeding practices. Women’s beliefs significantly predicted the likelihood that women experienced breastfeeding as ‘much more’ positive and negative than they expected.

Conclusions

The eight‐item questionnaire showed good model fit with acceptable loadings, and good reliability for all subscales. The utility of the BAB‐Q at predicting breastfeeding behaviour remains unclear and unsupported by empirical evidence. Further assessments of the predictive validity of the questionnaire in longitudinal studies with diverse beliefs and infant feeding practices are required.

Effect of Educational Program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Prostate Cancer Screening: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Aims:

Prostate cancer screening applied for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. But it is not usually pursued by men. This study was conducted to determine the effect of educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on prostate cancer screening.

Methods:

A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 68 middle-aged men referring to community houses in Iran. Samples were selected consecutively considering the inclusion criteria. Then block randomization was used to assign the participants into two groups. Data collection included demographic characteristics, knowledge and construct of TPB (Attitude towards the behavior, Subjective norms, Perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention) and behavior. The participants in the intervention group attended a theory based program 4 session twice per week. The participants were evaluated before and two month after the intervention. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

After the 2 months intervention, the pretest-posttest changes in the intervention group compared to the control group were in the Knowledge 9.26 ± 3.5 vs. 0.03 ± 1.68, Attitude 11.46 ± 3.5 vs. -0.16 ± 1.39, Subjective norms 3.16 ± 2.6 vs. 0.29 ± 1.3, Behavioral control 6.76 ± 4 vs. 0.12 ± 1.60 and Behavioral intention 1.4 ± 1.54 vs. 0.00 ± 1.00 (P < 0.05). While none of the subjects in control group performed the prostate screening, 10 people (33.2%) performed it in the intervention group. (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Educational program based on TPB has a positive effect on prostate cancer screening. It is recommended to set up regular training programs based on TPB to encourage middle-aged men for prostate cancer screening.

Exploring the challenges and opportunities towards optimal breastfeeding in Ethiopia: a formative qualitative study

Background

Breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, is essential to ensure the short- and long-term health of infants and mothers. Sub-optimal breastfeeding practices currently take place in low income countries contributing to morbidity and mortality. This research explored the challenges and opportunities around exclusive breastfeeding in a large city in Ethiopia to inform a larger breastfeeding intervention.

Methods

Fathers and mothers who had children less than 2 years of age, and who could speak, and understand Tigrigna were recruited from two health centres located in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) with fathers and two FGDs with mothers (n = 42) were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to explore the challenges and opportunities related to breastfeeding. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed in Tigrigna and translated to English. The data were manually analysed using thematic analysis, generating open codes which were grouped to form themes.

Results

Four themes with 11 sub-themes emerged. The themes identifies were: conflicted emotions on the birth of baby (feeling happy and feeling worried); perspectives on intergenerational approaches (old-fashioned beliefs of grandparents and the power of science, breastfeeding in public, breastfeeding knowledge); gender roles as barriers and enablers (the burden on women, changes in men’s roles and the financial status of the household); the role of healthcare (delivery of health information to parents, the role of health care providers and perceptions of inadequate milk supply).

Conclusion

Parents reported a range of opportunities with respect to breastfeeding, including the power of a scientific approach, the positive role of healthcare, and shifts within gender roles that maximized the potential support from fathers. However, there remains a tension between the beliefs of older generations and current best-practice. Parents continue to need ongoing support in order to practice optimal breastfeeding.

Reliability and Validity of the Greek Version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale Among Pregnant Women

Introduction:

A modifiable factor related to breastfeeding is breastfeeding attitudes. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) is used to evaluate this factor. Although the breastfeeding rates in Greece are declined there is not available any validated instrument to evaluate infant feeding attitudes.

Aim:

to determine the psychometric properties of the Greek adaptation of the IIFAS in a sample of pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

Pregnant women (N=203) from a University Hospital in Athens, Greece, were administered the Greek version of the IIFAS, while being in hospital, and their infant feeding mode at six months postpartum was recorded by telephone. The reliability of the scale was assessed by using corrected item-total correlations and Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity of the scale was assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis and predictive validity by using t-tests. Multiple linear regression analyses in a stepwise method (p for removal was set at 0.1 and p for entry was set at .05) was performed in order to find variables independently associated with IIFAS total score.

Results:

The mean IIFAS score was 70.0 (SD=7.6). The corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.22 to 0.51. Cronbach’s alpha was equal to 0.71. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate fit of the one-factor model. Concerning the predictive validity of IIFAS it was significant for breastfeeding at six months. The mean IIFAS score was significantly greater (p=0.001) for women that had exclusive breastfeeding at six months (mean (SD): 68.4(6.6)) as compared with those that did not (mean (SD): 64.0(7.5)). Higher IIFAS scores were found in older women, with higher educational level and in those that had breastfed children in their social environment.

Conclusion:

The Greek version of the IIFAS demonstrated satisfying reliability and validity for measuring women’s infant feeding attitudes in the Greek context. Also, the results of the present study provide further evidence of the international applicability of the IIFAS.

Counselling interventions to enable women to initiate and continue breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Many infants worldwide are not breastfeeding according to WHO recommendations and this impacts on the health of women and children. Increasing breastfeeding is identified as a priority area supported by current policy targets. However, interventions are complex and multi-component and it is unclear which elements of interventions are most effective to increase breastfeeding in which settings. Breastfeeding counselling is often part of complex interventions but evidence is lacking on the specific effect of counselling interventions on breastfeeding practices. The aim of this systematic review is to examine evidence on effectiveness of breastfeeding counselling to inform global guidelines.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of six electronic databases in January 2018. Randomised controlled trials comparing breastfeeding counselling with no breastfeeding counselling or different formulations of counselling were included if they measured breastfeeding practices between birth and 24 months after birth.

Results

From the 5180 records identified in searches and a further 11 records found by hand searching, 63 studies were included. Of these, 48 were individually-randomised trials and 15 were cluster-randomised trials. A total of 69 relevant comparisons were reported involving 33,073 women. There was a significant effect of counselling interventions on any breastfeeding at 4 to 6 weeks (Relative risk [RR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.77, 0.94) and 6 months (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87, 0.94). Greater effects were found on exclusive breastfeeding at 4 to 6 weeks (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72, 0.87) and 6 months (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78, 0.91). Counselling delivered at least four times postnatally is more effective than counselling delivered antenatally only and/or fewer than four times. Evidence was mostly of low quality due to high or unclear risk of bias of the included trials and high heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding counselling is an effective public health intervention to increase rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding counselling should be provided face-to-face, and in addition, may be provided by telephone, both antenatally and postnatally, to all pregnant women and mothers with young children. To inform scale-up globally there is a need to further understand the elements of breastfeeding interventions such as counselling and their effectiveness in different contexts and circumstances.

Study registration

This systematic review was registered in Prospero (CRD42018086494).

Critical Review of Theory Use in Breastfeeding Interventions

BACKGROUND

Numerous efforts to promote breastfeeding resulted in a steady increase in the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. Increasing numbers of breastfeeding interventions are focused on breastfeeding maintenance and exclusivity and based on behavioral theories. Few studies critically analyzed the use of theories in breastfeeding intervention development and evaluation.

RESEARCH AIM

The aim of this critical review was to examine the existing literature about breastfeeding intervention, and investigate the role of theory in its development, implementation, and evaluation to provide future directions and implications for breastfeeding interventions.

METHODS

This critical review examined the existing breastfeeding intervention studies that used self-efficacy theories (SE), theory of planned behavior (TPB), and social cognitive theory (SCT) and were published during the past decade. Using five databases, studies in which researchers explicitly applied these three theories to frame the intervention were selected. Studies were critically reviewed for fidelity to theory in intervention design, delivery, and evaluation.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were reviewed: nine SE-, five TPB-, and four SCT-based. Most interventions were focused on building mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy to improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. To achieve this goal, researchers who developed SE-based interventions used individual approaches, whereas other researchers who based studies on TPB incorporated social and environmental changes. SE-based studies were more likely to include theory-based instruments, but TPB- and SCT-based studies demonstrated less consistent choices of measurement. Researchers in most studies did not test the relationships between the proposed theoretical constructs and breastfeeding outcomes as guided by theories. Inconsistent outcomes resulted among the studies due to variations in study follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

Sound applications of single or multiple theories demonstrate a great potential to help practitioners and researchers develop effective breastfeeding interventions and evaluate true impacts on positive breastfeeding outcomes.

Extended Breastfeeding in Poland: Knowledge of Health Care Providers and Attitudes on Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy

BACKGROUND

Extended breastfeeding is rare in Poland, and lack of acceptance and understanding is often evident in public opinion. The ability to provide reliable information about breastfeeding beyond infancy depends on health professionals' levels of knowledge and attitudes. They are considered by most parents in Poland to be authorities in the field of child nutrition.

RESEARCH AIMS

To determine (1) the level of knowledge and the attitudes of Polish health professionals towards extended breastfeeding; (2) the relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and attitudes towards extended breastfeeding; and (3) the relationship between knowledge about breastfeeding beyond twelve months and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy.

METHODS

A one-group prospective, cross-sectional, self-report style survey was used. The convenience sample ( N = 495) comprised gynaecologists, neonatologists and midwives. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and the results were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, a chi-square independence test, Fisher's exact test, post-hoc testing, and two-part tables using SPSS.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents (76.7%; n = 384) had a low level of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding beyond twelve months and even emphasized that this nutritional choice could have negative impacts. There was a positive correlation ( F = 105.847; p = < .01) between levels of knowledge and respondents' attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy. Attitudes were also influenced by the length of time respondents had breastfed.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers have an insufficient level of knowledge about extended breastfeeding and need further education in this area.

Measuring the Effectiveness of a Midwife-led Education Programme in Terms of Breastfeeding Knowledge and Self-efficacy, Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding, and Perceived Barriers of Breastfeeding Among Pregnant Women

Introduction:

Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal mode of feeding for the first six months of a child’s life. Modifiable factors associated with increased breastfeeding, may be addressed through antenatal breastfeeding education. In Greece, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain rather low.

Aim:

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured in-hospital midwife-led antenatal breastfeeding educational programme on breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy, attitudes towards breastfeeding and perceived-barriers of breastfeeding.

Patients and Methods:

This was a quasi-experimental study with two study groups: an intervention group (following a four-hour midwife-led antenatal breastfeeding programme) and a control group. All nulliparous women attending antenatal care at the tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece during May 2016–January 2017 were invited to participate, of which 203 nulliparous pregnant women took part. Demographic data forms, the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, the Breast Feeding Knowledge Questionnaire and the Perceived Breast Feeding Barriers Questionnaire were used for data collection.

Results:

Post-intervention, women in the intervention group had a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding (73.5% versus 66.1%, p<0.001), greater knowledge (14.6% versus 13.1%, p<0.001) and more breastfeeding self-efficacy (51.4% versus 45.6%, p<0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, they had significantly less perceived barriers regarding breastfeeding (27.4% versus 31.0%, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The four-hour antenatal breastfeeding education intervention which occurred and was evaluated for the first time in the Greek female population was effective in increasing breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy and a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. The intervention was furthermore effective in lowering perceived breastfeeding barriers. This midwife-led antenatal breastfeeding education programme could be suitable for integration to routine antenatal care in health care services in Greece.