A Pilot Study of the Impact of Brief Exposure to Images of Breastfeeding Mothers on Attitudes Toward Mother's Breastfeeding in Public

The wider societal attitudes held toward mothers' breastfeeding in public seem to impact infant feeding choices. The present study employed an online (N = 396) experimental pretest-posttest design set to examine whether a mere exposure effect of briefly viewing and rating the valence of four different images of public breastfeeding (i.e., mother and baby alone, females in background, males in background, and females and males in background) would impact on participants' attitudes toward a mother breastfeeding in public. There was a marginal increase in the positive attitudes toward public breastfeeding at Time 2 when compared with Time 1 following exposure to the four images. These findings support a potential positive mere exposure effect in enhancing attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. This suggests a greater use of promotional material using visual stimuli may improve societal acceptance of breastfeeding in public.

Exploring North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers' Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Education Practices

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF recommend that secondary schools include infant feeding education in the curriculum. However, little attention has been given to the study of educators' views and practices regarding infant feeding education.

AIMS

The aims of this research were to (1) explore North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers' attitudes towards infant feeding education in secondary schools and (2) describe North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers' infant feeding education practices.

METHODS

Researchers conducted interviews (N = 19) and a survey (N = 137) using a sequential mixed methods design. The constant comparative method was used to analyze interview transcripts. Subsequently, a 33-item survey was developed to assess teachers' attitudes and practices, and this survey was tested for validity and reliability.

RESULTS

The majority of participants supported including infant feeding (n = 119, 86.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 116, 84.7%) education in high school. Approximately half of the participants supported including infant feeding (n = 71, 51.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 64, 46.7%) education in middle school. Participants reported that they taught infant feeding at both levels; topics taught included complementary foods, patterns of infant feeding, and the safe preparation of infant formula. Breastfeeding content was covered primarily in the high school Parenting and Child Development course.

CONCLUSIONS

North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers have positive attitudes towards teaching about breastfeeding at the secondary school level. Content about infant nutrition and breastfeeding is currently included in courses that cover child development and human nutrition.

A Comparison of Breastfeeding Exposure, Attitude, and Knowledge Between Collegiate African American and White Males with no Biological Children

BACKGROUND

Human milk is the preferred source of infant nourishment; yet, acceptance of human milk as the norm for infant feeding is debated. In the United States there is a disparity in breastfeeding rates, which are significantly lower in African Americans compared to Whites. Multiple variables appear to influence breastfeeding, including the male partner.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare breastfeeding exposure, attitude, and knowledge between African American and White college males with no biological children. A second objective was to explore the relationship between breastfeeding variables and educational attainment, academic major, and sibling presence.

METHODS

A subset of responses from a larger cross-sectional survey were analyzed. African American and White collegiate males aged 18-40 years without biological children were included in the study. The questionnaire included demographic, exposure, attitude, and knowledge items.

RESULTS

A total of 117 African American and 713 White males were included and represented all academic colleges on campus. African American participants documented less exposure to breastfeeding, a more positive attitude, and similar poor knowledge scores compared to their White counterparts. Sibling presence was linked with exposure, and exposure was linked to attitude. Both African American and White science majors scored higher on all factors than humanities or business majors.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Breastfeeding exposure influences males' attitudes toward breastfeeding. Future research should consider types of exposure to identify the sources most influential. Furthermore, tailoring breastfeeding interventions to increase exposure and knowledge in core wellness courses may improve attitudes and social acceptance among collegiate males.

Development, psychometric assessment, and predictive validity of the comprehensive breastfeeding knowledge scale

AIM

To develop a breastfeeding knowledge scale that aligns with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and psychometrically test it among expectant parents.

BACKGROUND

Although breastfeeding is recommended by all leading health authorities, rates remain suboptimal with women often not achieving their breastfeeding goals. One factor found to positively influence infant feeding behaviours is increased maternal breastfeeding knowledge. However, little research has been conducted validating the dimensions of breastfeeding knowledge to guide interventions to promote positive breastfeeding outcomes.

DESIGN

Following an extensive literature review, the 28-item Comprehensive Breastfeeding Knowledge Scale (CBKS) was developed and psychometrically tested.

METHOD

A sample of 217 Canadian expectant parents (113 women and 104 coparents) was recruited and administered the CBKS with follow-up questionnaires at 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. Psychometric analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and predictive validity.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in three dimensions: (1) managing milk supply; (2) persisting through challenges; and (3) correcting misconceptions. Coefficient alpha for the total scale was 0.83 and support for concurrent validity was demonstrated through significant positive correlations with the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude scale. Further, higher total and subscale scores in pregnancy were associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 12 weeks postpartum, providing good evidence for predictive validity.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary data suggest the CBKS is a valid and reliable measure of breastfeeding knowledge. Upon further testing, this self-report measure may be used to (1) identify women with low breastfeeding knowledge requiring targeted support, (2) individualize health professional care with breastfeeding women, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding interventions and programs.

Exploring the latitude of attitude: Intentions to breastfeed among adolescents in Lebanese schools

School-based breastfeeding education (SBBE) may help improve breastfeeding rates in the long-term by targeting children and adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and intentions. Breastfeeding rates in Lebanon are suboptimal. Psychosocial drivers of breastfeeding intention among the youth are unknown. We administered a survey to 658 high school students (448 females; 210 males) at two large Lebanese schools to understand intentions, intention drivers, and views on SBBE as means to guide SBBE programme design on the basis of the theory of planned behaviour. We collected information on demographics, intention to breastfeed/support wife to breastfeed future. Intention was predicted by attitude related to breastfeeding health outcomes and family normative beliefs-χ2 (25) = 115, P < .001 for males, and χ2 (39.3) = 186, P < .001 for females. Among females, intention was also positively associated with being breastfed, higher socio-economic status, and being more accepting of public breastfeeding. Seventy-eight per cent of students felt they were not learning enough about breastfeeding in school but were interested in SBBE through didactic teaching methods and interactive experiences. Findings indicate that breastfeeding intention among adolescent students is not merely influenced by the extent of knowledge but by more complicated psychosocial drivers that may differ by gender. Our findings also suggest a misalignment exists between what schools are providing with what students feel they need, thereby opening up a potential space for intervention.

Breastfeeding exposure is associated with better knowledge of and attitudes toward BF in Kuwaiti women

Objectives

Breastfeeding (BF) has many benefits for both infants and mothers. However, despite evidence in support of BF, its prevalence has remained low in Kuwait. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess and describe BF attitudes and knowledge among women at a college campus; (2) evaluate BF exposures and sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes toward BF; (3) determine the association between BF knowledge and attitudes.

Materials and methods

This survey was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from February to April 2016. A convenience sample of 330 women (students, faculty and staff) from the College of Life Sciences (CLS) at Kuwait University participated in the survey.

Results

Most of the participants respected women who breast fed (81.8%). Some participants believed that BF a baby is painful (43.3%), makes the breasts sag (35.8%), and restricts the mothers’ freedom (51.5%). Additionally, 47.6% of the participants reported that they would feel embarrassed if they saw a woman BF her baby. Acceptability of BF in public was low and most participants preferred BF only around friends and family (52.4%). A statistically significant positive association was observed between BF knowledge and attitudes (R²=6.5%, p<0.001); however, the relationship was not independent and was also associated with nationality and having been breast fed as a baby (R²=10.3%, p=0.021).

Conclusion

BF knowledge is important to encourage positive BF attitudes, and both are enforced with family values and practice across generations.

Exploring Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes among Noncaregivers: A Narrative Review

Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond are well-established infant feeding recommendations based on evidence that breastfeeding has unparalleled maternal and infant health benefits as well as environmental and economic benefits. As with many high-income countries, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal with only a quarter of Canadian and European infants receiving breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding promotion efforts have largely targeted caregivers in the prenatal and postnatal period; however, breastfeeding outcomes have been shown to be associated with broader sociocultural factors. Noncaregivers play an influential role in infant feeding at both an individual level (e.g., cues and input from health care practitioners and caregivers' social networks; as future parents) as well as a broader population level (sociocultural norms and policy decisions). This paper outlines recent research on breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of noncaregivers by population subgroup. Positive correlations have been identified between breastfeeding attitudes, infant feeding knowledge, breastfeeding exposure, and breastfeeding intention among different subgroups; however, key knowledge gaps, lack of exposure to breastfeeding, and negative public perceptions of breastfeeding persist. Dietitians can advocate for breastfeeding promotion strategies that consider the role of noncaregivers to address sociocultural norms around breastfeeding.

Understanding pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women's intentions to perform muscle-strengthening activities using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Although physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities (MSA), public health initiatives tend to focus on increasing aerobic activity and fail to mention MSA. This study sought to identify the issues influencing pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women's intentions to perform MSA with a view to informing future interventions for these populations. Mixed methods guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) were used to explore factors that influence women's intentions to perform MSA. In stage one, 34 women participated in either a focus group or interview. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed based on menopausal status using a deductive approach. In stage two, 186 women (M = 47 years, SD = 9) completed a questionnaire to assess participant demographics, levels of MSA, affective and instrumental attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms, self-efficacy and perceived behavioural control. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, regression analyses and analysis of variances. Behavioural beliefs were: improved muscular health; psychological benefits; improved body shape. Normative beliefs were: health professionals; family members; work colleagues. Control beliefs were: equipment; motivation; time constraints; knowledge; physical capability; fear of judgement. However, these beliefs were not well established. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions (spc² = 0.11) followed by affective attitudes (spc² = 0.09), with no significant differences on TPB variables between groups. If rising rates of musculoskeletal conditions in women are to be prevented, there is an urgent need to increase women's knowledge of recommended levels of muscle strengthening, with a view to promoting positive attitudes and enhancing women's sense of self-efficacy across all menopausal phases.

'Both parents should care for babies': A cross-sectional, cross-cultural comparison of adolescents' breastfeeding intentions, and the influence of shared-parenting beliefs

BACKGROUND

Many young men and women expect to co-parent their newborn infant. This may have a positive or negative impact on decisions to breastfeed, which is an important health behaviour, influenced by cultural and psycho-social norms. We investigated the relationship between shared parenting, infant feeding beliefs and intentions in male and female (non-parent) adolescents, comparing Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland) with high breastfeeding rates with others with low rates (Scotland, USA).

METHODS

We utilised cross-sectional surveys of male and female adolescents (n = 1064, age 12-18) administered directly in schools or via the internet. We assessed attitudes to breast and formula feeding and shared parenting, using a Theory of Planned Behaviour framework, assessing beliefs, attitudes, norms and control as predictors of intention.

RESULTS

Male and female adolescents' breastfeeding intentions varied in line with national cultural norms. Young people from Nordic countries (high breastfeeding rates) were significantly more likely to intend to breastfeed than those from Scotland or the USA (low breastfeeding rates). Positive beliefs about breastfeeding, norms and 'exposure' to breastfeeding and feeding confidence were consistently stronger in Nordic countries, whereas young people in Scotland had more positive beliefs, norms and 'exposure' to formula feeding. Differences in parenting beliefs, norms and confidence were less consistent. In logistic regression, cultural group, positive breastfeeding beliefs and exposure, norms, and shared parenting beliefs were significant predictors of breastfeeding feeding intention.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive beliefs about shared parenting and equal gender norms were related to future breastfeeding intentions for female and male adolescents. Health education programmes for young people could encourage positive breastfeeding choices by considering how this would fit with young people's ideal parenting roles, and by emphasising benefits of complementary maternal and paternal roles in breastfeeding newborn infants.

Stakeholder views of breastfeeding education in schools: a systematic mixed studies review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for mothers and infants, but worldwide breastfeeding rates fall below recommendations. As part of efforts to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration, the World Health Organization and UNICEF UK recommend educational interventions to increase awareness and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding beginning during the school years. Breastfeeding education in the school setting offers the opportunity to improve the knowledge base, address misconceptions, and positively influence beliefs and attitudes for students from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive narrative review of the literature regarding student and teacher (stakeholder) views of breastfeeding and breastfeeding education programs in schools to inform future research in the area.

METHODS

Articles were located through a systematic search of online databases and journals using the following keywords in various combinations: (1) breastfeeding, lactation, breast-feeding, "bottle feeding", "infant feeding" (2) student, educator, teacher, "school administrator" and (3) schools, "secondary education", "primary education", "K-12", "high school", "middle school", "elementary school", education, adolescents, curriculum, and a manual search of article references. Studies were screened for inclusion against specific criteria and included papers were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

This review suggests that adolescents have a deficit in breastfeeding knowledge and express negative conceptions about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is being discussed in some school environments, but the extent of lessons and the specific messages that teachers communicate have not been explored. Students appear to be interested in receiving more information about breastfeeding, especially if delivered by health professionals or breastfeeding mothers. The majority of teachers are supportive of incorporating breastfeeding education in family and consumer sciences, sexual education, and health classes; however, time constraints and limited knowledge of infant feeding recommendations may be barriers to implementation of appropriate lesson plans.

CONCLUSIONS

Students generally support and are receptive to breastfeeding education; however, research on educator attitudes, knowledge, and experiences are necessary for appropriate implementation of breastfeeding education in varying school settings around the world.

Female College Students Knowledge, Attitude and Future Intention towards Breastfeeding: Implications for Advocacy

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding is important for promoting child's health. Since, breastfeeding decisions are made before pregnancy and are strongly influenced by women's knowledge and attitude, it is important to identify knowledge gaps in youth girls.

AIM

To assess the knowledge, attitude and future intention regarding infant feeding among female college students in Puducherry, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive study was done among 307 college going female students. Their knowledge, attitude and future intention was assessed using structured questions and Likert's scale. Data were summarized as percentages with 95% confidence interval. Responses to Likert's scale were analyzed using consensus index.

RESULTS

Around 98% (95% CI: 96.5%, 99.6%) and 86.3% (95% CI: 82.5%, 90.2%) knew that breast milk and colostrum respectively is good for the child. However, students had poor knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, the age of starting supplementation, recommended duration of breastfeeding. Noteworthy, 15% and 38% of them thought that breastfeeding spoils the mother's beauty and interferes with mother's employment respectively. Around 98% (95% CI: 97.0%, 100.0%) wanted to breastfeed their child in future. A high proportion of students, 20.5% (95% CI: 16.0%, 25.0%) wanted to give formula feed before 6 months. Knowledge and future intention to breastfeed was better among 'arts and science' students than engineering students.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge and attitude of female college students on breastfeeding is good. Almost all students wanted to breastfeed their children in future. However, the study has identified knowledge gaps and misconceptions which need to be stressed during the health education activity to promote optimal breastfeeding practices.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of School-Based Breastfeeding Education

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.

Effectiveness of a Breastfeeding Intervention on Knowledge and Attitudes Among High School Students in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on the breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of female high school students living in Taiwan.

DESIGN

A prospective, two-group, quasi-experimental, repeated measure design.

SETTING

A high school in Taichung, Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred four female high school students.

METHODS

Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire at baseline, after the intervention, and 1 month later. After administration of the questionnaire at baseline, the experimental group (n = 103) received a 30-minute breastfeeding education; the control group (n = 101) did not.

RESULTS

Findings showed that students in the experimental group had significantly greater breastfeeding knowledge immediately after the intervention and at 1 month postintervention. Also, compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly greater positive breastfeeding attitudes after the intervention period, and the effect lasted at least 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding interventions in schools improve adolescents' knowledge and attitudes. School nurses are well positioned to promote breastfeeding as a healthy lifestyle behavior within the school setting.

The intergenerational continuity of breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

In studies investigating predictors of breastfeeding behaviors, it is not uncommon for researchers to adjust for participants' having been breastfed as an infant. This assumes an intergenerational effect of breastfeeding continuity. Our aim was to investigate the veracity of that assumption. Specifically, we sought to summarize and evaluate evidence of associations between breastfeeding in one generation and breastfeeding intentions and behaviors in the second generation.

METHODS

A systematic search of psychological, nursing, and medical databases was conducted for studies examining "having been breastfed" as a factor in breastfeeding intention, initiation, or duration. Quality indicators were assessed and limitations reported. Effects were explored according to outcomes of intention, initiation, and duration.

RESULTS

Fifteen papers were found to be eligible for the review. Having been breastfed as an infant was consistently correlated with breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration. Effect sizes differed depending on methodology. Men's infant-feeding status was also related to later intentions to support or encourage a partner to breastfeed.

CONCLUSIONS

Robust evidence for intergenerational breastfeeding continuity is present; however, mechanisms that explain this association were not considered in the studies reviewed and would best be explored within longitudinal cohort studies.

The Knowledge and Attitudes towards Breastfeeding of Iranian Mothers during the First Year after Delivery in 2013

OBJECTIVE: Globally less than 40% of infants less than six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and families could save many young lives. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitudes of mothers toward breastfeeding in Tonekabon, Iran.METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical cross sectional study with convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 200 nursing mothers who have including criteria of the study. Data was collected by a questionnaire including demographic data and questions about knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. Data analysis performed by using of SPSS (11.5) and appropriate statistical tests.RESULTS: Most of them (73.5%) were 21-30 age group. 50.5% of them had a diploma education. 46% of them reported the essential information about breastfeeding obtained from medical- health centers. 5% of them had poor and 42% had a medium knowledge about breastfeeding while 53% of them had good knowledge about it. Most of the mothers (79.5%) had positive attitude regarding breast feeding.CONCLUSION: According to most of the mothers had good knowledge and positive attitude about breastfeeding, with proper planning to increase awareness and promote a positive attitude towards breastfeeding can be tried for child survival.

Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intention in a Sample of Undergraduate Students in Mainland China

BACKGROUND

Despite the high breastfeeding initiation rate in China (> 90%), the low exclusivity rate is of concern. Some traditional behaviors, combined with increasing popularity of infant formula, may negatively affect future breastfeeding rates. As suggested by the theory of planned behavior, understanding breastfeeding beliefs of young adults may help identify and address misperceptions of future parents, supporting maintenance of the current initiation rate while increasing rates of exclusivity and duration. No research has evaluated these factors among young adults in Mainland China.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to explore any relationships between breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, previous experiences, and future intention among undergraduate students in Mainland China.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted from May to June 2012. A convenience sample of 395 students from a major public university in southwest China participated in the survey.

RESULTS

Breastfeeding knowledge was moderate (76.7% of total score), and breastfeeding was considered to be painful (34.2%), to make breasts sag (43.1%), and to restrict the freedom of mothers (52.5%). In addition, 58.2% of students reported that they would feel embarrassed if they or their partners were to breastfeed in public, and acceptability of breastfeeding in public was low (34.7%). Three-fourths of the students (75.1%) expressed future breastfeeding intent, though males were more likely to report this intention (ie, to support a partner in breastfeeding) than were females (81.3% vs 71.7%, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

To create a more breastfeeding-friendly culture, future research is warranted to explore these negative beliefs about breastfeeding and to counter misunderstandings among future parents in Mainland China.

The factors influencing young mothers' infant feeding decisions: the views of healthcare professionals and voluntary workers on the role of the baby's maternal grandmother

BACKGROUND

Increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is important to ensure that infants achieve "optimal growth, development, and health" and could generate over £40 million in annual savings for the National Health Service. Interventions targeting young mothers are recommended because of low breastfeeding rates. Women's mothers have been identified as potential influences on whether women choose to breastfeed. This study explored health, social, and voluntary care professionals' perceptions of young mothers' attitudes to breastfeeding and the role of maternal grandmothers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine professionals working with young mothers. Thematic analysis was used to interpret data and identify key themes.

RESULTS

Professionals felt that prevalent attitudes among young mothers who bottle fed were that breastfeeding is embarrassing, deviant from the social norm, and detrimental to their social life and relationships but that women understand the health benefits. Grandmothers were identified as important influences on some women, and, in particular, concerns were raised that grandmothers sometimes undermined intentions to breastfeed by offering to bottle feed infants. However, potential problems with involving grandmothers in breastfeeding promotion strategies were identified, and more pressing issues were raised, particularly inadequate postnatal support for young mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

Professionals recognize grandmothers as an important influence and source of support for many mothers but identified other priorities for interventions, particularly improving the level of support in postnatal care. Their ultimate focus is to build positive relationships with women and empower them to make informed decisions.

Promoting positive attitudes to breastfeeding: the development and evaluation of a theory-based intervention with school children involving a cluster randomised controlled trial

The objective of this study was to design, implement and evaluate an intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to enhance young peoples' motivations to breastfeed/support a partner to breastfeed. Six semi-structured focus groups were first conducted with 48 13-14-year-olds from two schools in Northern Ireland. The salient beliefs elicited were subsequently used to design a TPB-based questionnaire that was then administered to 2021 13-14-year-old pupils (852 males; 1169 females) from 36 post-primary schools to identify the most important determinants of breastfeeding. The results were used to inform the design and implementation of an intervention package that was subsequently evaluated using a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 44 randomly selected schools across Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were administered to 18 intervention and 26 control schools at baseline and again at 1 and 6 months post-intervention to evaluate its effectiveness. Multi-level modelling was employed to analyse the data. The results revealed significant effects on women's intention to breastfeed, β = 0.208, t(1275) = 2.715, P = 0.007; attitudes, β = 0.223, t(1275) = 4.655, P < 0.001; moral attitudes, β = 0.231, t(1275) = 4.211, P < 0.001; subjective norm, β = 0.118, t(1275) = 2.521, P = 0.012; and knowledge, β = 0.109, d.f. (1275) = 7.843, P < 0.001. However, for men, the results revealed significant effects on only the construct of knowledge, β = 0.104, t(541) = 4.345, P < 0.001.The research has provided evidence to support the need for breastfeeding education in schools and has shown how a theoretical framework may be used to inform the design and evaluation of a health behaviour intervention.

Prospective food diaries demonstrate breastfeeding characteristics in a UK birth cohort

Breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding rates are universally below those recommended by World Health Organization. Due to limitations and challenges associated with researching breastfeeding characteristics, the times when exclusivity is likely to be lost and when women are most likely to discontinue breastfeeding have not yet been identified. Prospective food diaries allow reliable description of the dynamics of breastfeeding to be made to help identify these key time periods. Food diaries detailing intake from birth until the cessation of breastfeeding were analysed for 718 infants recruited into a national arm of an international multicentre birth cohort study (EuroPrevall). Analyses included linear regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier time course analysis. Breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding cessation rates for younger mothers (<25 years) are high in the first few weeks after delivery but slow markedly in the period 10-12 weeks after delivery. Cessation rates are consistent from 0 to 26 weeks in older mothers. This difference in feeding patterns led to significant differences between the two different age groups at 26 weeks for breastfeeding (P = 0.006) and exclusive breastfeeding at 8 weeks (P = 0.009). Forty-nine per cent of younger mothers (<25 years) stopped breastfeeding before their infant was 3 weeks old. To increase breastfeeding duration, further work is required to investigate the attitudes and perceptions associated with such high breastfeeding cessation rates in younger mothers during these very early post-natal weeks.

Describing adolescent breastfeeding environments through focus groups in an urban community

PURPOSE

Breastfeeding is a potential solution to improve health outcomes for adolescent mothers and infants. Adolescence is a risk factor for low breastfeeding rates and is associated with a higher risk for perinatal complication. This study investigated facilitators and barriers to adolescent breastfeeding initiation and duration in an urban setting.

METHODS

Four, 1-hour focus groups were conducted. Twenty-nine (N = 29) adolescent mothers and pregnant adolescents participated and described attitudes toward breastfeeding, attitudes among family and friends, current knowledge, and barriers and facilitators for breastfeeding.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged, including the following: behavioral histories of breastfeeding, community assets, social support, and barriers. Participants identified positive histories and community resources such as local hospitals and social services as facilitators. Lifestyle, independence, lack of support from family and primary care providers, social stigma/embarrassment, and difficulty with breastfeeding techniques were described as barriers.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive and integrated primary care and public health community effort is needed to support and improve adolescent breastfeeding. Further examination of integrated interventions focused on adolescent breastfeeding behaviors through an environmental approach is needed.

Factors influencing initiation and duration of breast feeding in Ireland

The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with mothers breast feeding and to identify, for those who breast fed, factors associated with breast feeding for as long as planned.

BACKGROUND

breast feeding rates in Ireland are amongst the lowest in Europe. Research evidence indicates that in order for mothers to be successful at breast feeding, multiplicities of supports are necessary for both initiation and duration. The nature of these supports in tandem with other influencing factors requires analysis from an Irish perspective.

DESIGN

cross-sectional study involving public health nurses and mothers in Ireland. This paper presents the results of the mothers' evaluation.

METHOD

mothers (n=1715) with children less than three years were offered a choice of completing the self-report questionnaires online or by mail. Data were analysed and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics.

FINDINGS

four in every five participants breast fed their infant and two thirds of them breast fed as long as planned. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that third level education, being a first time mother or previously having breast fed, participating online, having more than two public health nurse visits, and having a positive infant feeding attitude were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding. Among mothers who breast fed, being aged at least 35 years, participating online, having a positive infant feeding attitude and high breast feeding self-efficacy were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding for as long as planned.

CONCLUSIONS

findings from this study reinforce health inequalities therefore there needs to be a renewed commitment to reducing health inequalities in relation to breast feeding.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

this study has identified factors associated with initiation and duration of breast feeding that are potentially modifiable through public health interventions.

Evaluation of a theory of planned behaviour-based breastfeeding intervention in Northern Irish schools using a randomized cluster design

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention designed to enhance young people's motivations to breastfeed.

DESIGN

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 50 post-primary schools from across Northern Ireland. However, dropout and exclusion criteria utilized for the current study resulted in an effective sample size of 42 schools.

METHODS

The intervention was delivered in two 35-min classroom sessions targeting those beliefs identified by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as significant in predicting motivation to breastfeed. Questionnaires incorporating the key components of the TPB were administered to all intervention and control schools at baseline, 1 and 6 months post-intervention. Multi-level modelling was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that the intervention was effective in that it increased females' intentions to breastfeed, expanded their knowledge and led to more favourable attitudes and perceptions of subjective norms. Notably, females' knowledge increased more in secondary schools than in grammar schools irrespective of whether they were control or intervention schools.

CONCLUSION

The research has provided evidence to support the use of the TPB in the design and evaluation of an intervention to increase females' intentions to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, prior exposure, and intent among undergraduate students

BACKGROUND

Understanding breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and exposures among nonpregnant youth who are likely to be future parents may provide significant pathways to successfully increasing breastfeeding as the normal, accepted way of feeding infants. However, based on a recent review of the literature, only 3 studies have assessed these factors in nonpregnant, young adults in the United States in the past 10 years.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to gather more recent data regarding breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and prior exposure among undergraduate university students.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey, conducted in November 2010. A convenience sample, consisting of undergraduates in attendance in 2 sections of an introductory nutrition class at a large research university, was used for this project (N = 248).

RESULTS

Breastfeeding knowledge was relatively good. However, overall breastfeeding attitudes were more neutral, which appeared to be explained by the belief that breastfeeding is painful, restrictive, and inconvenient, both in general and specifically for the working mother. Though support for breastfeeding in public was low, men were significantly less likely than women to believe it to be embarrassing or unacceptable. In addition, breastfeeding attitudes were more positive among older students and those who were breastfed as infants. Those who were breastfed as infants were also significantly more likely to intend to breastfeed future children.

CONCLUSIONS

Though this sample indicates good breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes were more neutral, and support for breastfeeding in public appears low. This finding is contradictory and warrants further exploration.