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Toward understanding of disparities in exclusive breastfeeding
Author(s) -
Bai Yeon,
Wunderlich Shahla M,
Fly Alyce D
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.556.1
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , socioeconomic status , ethnic group , theory of planned behavior , psychosocial , demography , marital status , norm (philosophy) , medicine , psychology , environmental health , control (management) , pediatrics , population , psychiatry , sociology , political science , management , anthropology , law , economics
This study aimed to identify and compare psychosocial determinants of “intention to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months” among mothers with varying ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected from 236 volunteer mothers (<2 months postpartum, breastfeeding exclusively, speaking English or Spanish) between 2008–09 from hospitals and WIC clinics in southern New Jersey and central Indiana using a self‐administered questionnaire. Items measured constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior: attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control. Racial/ethnic groups were different (p<0.01) in marital status, education level, and WIC participation. Multiple regression analyses revealed that predictors of “intention to continue EBF for 6 months” varied by race/ethnicity not by socioeconomic status. Significant predictors (p<0.01) were perceived behavioral control (β=0.64) for Latina, subjective norm (β=0.52) for Black, attitude (β=0.53) for White. Attitude (β=0.37 vs. 0.37) and subjective norm (β=0.38 vs. 0.33) were significant predictors across socioeconomic status (WIC vs. non‐WIC). Health professionals may help eliminate disparities in mother's breastfeeding rates by creating familial, societal, and technical support for Black and Latina and by improving Whites’ attitude toward breastfeeding. Sources of support: Montclair State Univ. & Indiana Univ.