Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Descriptive-Analytical Study Among Mothers in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors
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Zahra Salamat
Student Research Committee, Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9848-0219
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Negin Asadiyan
Student Research Committee, Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6991-0374
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Azar Babaahmadi
MSc in Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5801-8594
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Solmaz mohammadi
Midwifery Department, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8124-8600
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v12i5.1309Keywords:
Exclusive breastfeeding, Theory of planned behavior, Maternal attitude, Perceived behavioral control, Behavioral intention, Breastfeeding predictorsAbstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is vital for optimal infant growth and development. Understanding the predictive factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding can improve targeted interventions. This study thus aimed to identify the predictive factors of exclusive breastfeeding based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) pattern in mothers referred to Ahvaz city health centers in 2024.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted from October to December 2024, involving 215 mothers and their infants (0-24 months old) who were referred to health centers in Ahvaz, Iran. Multistage random sampling was used to select participants. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and an exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire based on the TPB model. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Pearson correlation, with a significance level of P-value<0.05, were performed using SPSS software version 22.
Results: A significant relationship was found between exclusive breastfeeding status and mothers' attitudes (P-value<0.01), subjective norms (P-value<0.05), perceived behavioral control (P-value<0.05), and behavioral intention (P-value<0.01). Correlation analysis indicated positive relationships among these constructs. Multiple logistic regression identified attitude and behavioral intention as significant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Maternal attitudes and behavioral intentions significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding practices. Interventions focused on enhancing these factors can improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and infant health outcomes.
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