Breastfeeding as health‐promoting behaviour for Hispanic women: literature review

Abstract

The literature verifies that each of the 10 determinants of health-promoting behaviour also promotes breastfeeding for Hispanic women, particularly through the constructs of acculturation, interpersonal support, self-efficacy and immediate competing demands. Breastfeeding is not consistently defined in all studies, nor are Hispanic population groups uniformly classified according to country of origin. Specific interventions to promote breastfeeding have been implemented for women of Latin American origin, but randomized designs to measure outcomes have not been consistently employed with Hispanic women in the United States of America. Further intervention research is needed to confirm breastfeeding as a health-promoting behaviour and to inform breastfeeding education for this group.

Using an extended theory of planned behaviour to inform interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding uptake in primiparas experiencing material deprivation

“…Although none of the above intervention studies have been based exclusively on a single theoretical approach, an emphasis on components from various socio‐cognitive theories is commonplace. For example, interventions focusing on improving breastfeeding self‐efficacy have successfully increased breastfeeding uptake (Noel‐Weiss, Rupp, Cragg, Bassett, & Woodend, 2006; Schlickau & Wilson, 2005). Such studies typically teach mothers breastfeeding techniques and frequently report this approach to be effective at increasing subsequent breastfeeding rates (e.g.…”

Impact of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Sociocultural Factors on Early Breastfeeding in an Urban, Predominantly Dominican Community

“…11,12 In light of this, more research is needed to understand the sociocultural factors associated with successful breastfeeding among Latinas in general and also among different subgroups in the early postpartum period. 13 An association exists between high breastfeeding selfefficacy and longer durations of breastfeeding and higher levels of breastfeeding exclusivity, 9,14 although little is known about the effect among low-income, inner-city Latinas in particular. Self-efficacy, based on Bandura's social cognitive theory, is an individual's perceived ability to perform a specific task or behavior.…”

“…8,9 Los dos refers to the routinized practice among Latinas of mixed feeding of both formula and breastmilk concurrently. Reasons for this practice include the belief that formula is part of a healthy newborn's diet, provides necessary vitamins lacking in breastmilk, and is a necessary supplement.…”

Exclusive Breastfeeding Experiences among Mexican American Women

“…We used Pender’s Health Promotion Model 25 as a way to understand Mexican American women’s breastfeeding experiences and perceptions through this theoretical lens as it encompasses (1) behavior-specific cognitions and also individual characteristics, such as age and gender; (2) psychological factors of self-esteem, self-motivation, and personal competence; and (3) sociocultural factors of race/ethnicity, acculturation, education, and socioeconomic status. 25,26 Concepts from Pender’s model provided support in the development of interview questions. 27 …”