Effect of Theory of Planned Behavior-based Educational Intervention on Breastfeeding Behavior in Pregnant Women in Fasa City, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Breastfeeding is a matter of significant importance. Given the role of such factors as attitude and subjective norms on the behavior of mothers and the low level of exclusive breastfeeding, the present study aimed to determine the effect of educational program based on the theory of planned behavior on breastfeeding behavior among the pregnant women in Fasa, Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 pregnant women with the gestational age of 30-35 weeks who referred to the health care centers of Fasa, Iran, in 2017. The study population was selected using random sampling technique, and then assigned into two groups of control (n=50) and intervention (n=50). The data were collected using a demographic form, components of the theory of planned behavior questionnaire, and a breastfeeding checklist. The intervention group received three 55-to-60-minute training sessions. The mothers' breastfeeding behavior was evaluated before the training sessions and 40 days postdelivery in both groups. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 22, using Chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired sample t-test. Results: According to the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the components of the theory of planned behavior before the educational intervention (P=0.208). However, after the training sessions, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in all components of the theory of planned behavior, including intention and breastfeeding behavior, compared to the control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, appropriate training programs, social network support, and suitable conditions for breastfeeding in the community are among the effective factors that can change the mothers' attitudes towards lactation and result in successful breastfeeding in the first three months after childbirth.

Multilevel Factors Influencing Young Mothers’ Breastfeeding: A Qualitative CBPR Study

“…Research about breastfeeding behavior often has been guided by the theory of planned behavior (Arshad et al, 2017; Duckett, 2017; Giles et al, 2014; Guo, Wang, Liao, & Huang, 2016) or similar cognitive behavioral theories (health action process, theory of reasoned action) positing that behavior is an outcome of “intention plus motivation,” both of which are influenced by attitudes, beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. While these theories recognize outside influences (e.g., norms and barriers to action), these are deemed relevant only insofar as they influence beliefs and intentions, rather than as direct contextual influences on behavior.…”

Maternal and Neonatal Barriers of Breast-Feeding: A Systematic Review

“…According to the studies, some of the factors affecting the lack of successful breastfeeding continuity was not associated with maternal and neonatal factors. So they were classified into environmental factors which include inappropriate economic situation of the family, lack of adequate support by government and healthcare workers, access to the dried milk in well-off families, physician's advice, lack of support by relatives and poor culture (Emami et al, 2007;Mojalli et al, 2010;Mohammadpour et al, 2015;Akaberian et al, 2015;Hasan, 2016;Arshad et al, 2017).…”

A theory-based educational intervention impact on reduction of divorce intention in Iran

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