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

Abstract

The TPB provided a useful framework with which to examine the factors underlying breastfeeding intentions and behaviour amongst primiparas. A grouping system based on the congruence between intentions and subsequent behaviour revealed important differences between beliefs of the three groups. Further research might usefully test the effectiveness of interventions targeting the beliefs identified here in increasing breastfeeding uptake and duration.

Explaining infant feeding: The role of previous personal and vicarious experience on attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, and breastfeeding outcomes

“…Pro‐breastfeeding descriptive norms have been shown to be important in the prediction of breastfeeding at 10 days (McMillan et al ., 2009), but this study showed that vicarious experience may act in the formation of social cognitions such as attitudes. Vicarious experience of formula‐feeding was associated directly with behaviour; those mothers with more vicarious experience of formula‐feeding were less likely to be breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks regardless of their own personal experience.…”

“…However, even in this sample there was a considerable reduction in the rate of breastfeeding in the first 6 weeks (from 99% to 79%), and identifying the important factors associated with those who continue or stop breastfeeding by this stage is important. Furthermore, where the variables and analyses were similar to previous studies, the findings were also similar – even when compared to a deprived sample (McMillan et al ., 2008, 2009). This suggests that many of the factors associated with infant feeding, and in particular the relative importance of past experience and self‐efficacy, may be similar across socio‐economic groups.…”

Moderating Effect of Socioeconomic Status on the Relationship between Health Cognitions and Behaviors

“…For example, in relation to breastfeeding, McMillan et al (33) reported the direct effects for education and household deprivation on behavior to be partially mediated by TPB variables. Similarly, in relation to physical activity, Godin et al (5) reported the direct effects for education and income on behavior to be partially mediated by TPB variables.…”

‘But is it a normal thing?’ Teenage mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding promotion and support

“…There are defined limits on the generalisability of findings from qualitative studies 19 In the UK teenage mothers are among the least likely to breastfeed 1 . Studies have been carried out into the reasons why those from disadvantaged groups do not initiate and continue breastfeeding, many of which are linked to the theory of planned behaviour 10,11,20 . Such studies conclude that family influences and concerns about breastfeeding in public significantly influence infant feeding behaviour 20 and that breastfeeding can be seen as a 'morally inappropriate' behaviour by teenagers 11 .…”