Shahroud University of Medical siences Shahroud Journal of Medical Sciences 2423-6594 12 5 2026 08 29 Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Descriptive-Analytical Study Among Mothers in Ahvaz, Iran 62 59 eng Zahra Salamat Student Research Committee, Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. zahrasalamat1383@gmail.com Negin Asadiyan Student Research Committee, Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. negin8898asadiyan@gmail.com Azar Babaahmadi MSc in Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health. Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. azarb1373@gmail.com Solmaz Mohammadi Midwifery Department, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. solmazmohammadi007@gmail.com 2025 07 16 2025 12 08 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.