Exploring determinants of exclusive breastfeeding intention in nulliparous pregnant women: A cross-sectional path analysis

Abstract

Background: One of the most important ways to improve neonatal health is Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF). Objective: In this study, the determinants of EBF intention were investigated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in nulliparous pregnant women. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 pregnant women in Kerman in 2020. Data was collected using a questionnaire, including, questions related to knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and the intention of EBF. SEM in Amos statistical software version 20 was used to examine the relationships between the studied variables. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.98±6.16 years and the majority of them were housewife. There was significant correlation between the intention of EBF and self-efficacy (r=0.597, P<0.001) knowledge (r=0.337, P<0.001) and attitude (r=0.344, P<0.001). Breastfeeding self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intention to EBF (β=0.352, P<0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy was the most important predictor of the EBF intention.