Factors Affecting Pregnant Women's Intention for Exclusive Breastfeeding Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Exclusive breastfeeding is an important factor for neonatal and maternal health and several factors affect it. The theory of planned behavior provides a suitable framework for study in this field. The purpose of this study was to determine the effective factors on the intention of exclusive breastfeeding in pregnant women based on the theory of planned behavior.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 312 pregnant women covered by health centers of Karaj city through multistage sampling method. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire based on constructs of the theory of planned behavior. Data were analyzed through SPSS (version 19) and using Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression tests.

Mean score of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention of exclusive breastfeeding were 46.2, 31.1, 15.9 and 13.07 respectively. Linear regression showed that previous child feeding type, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control had a positive effect on the intention of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers and these variables were able to explain 22.3% of its variance.

Theory of Planned Behavior had a good framework for explaining the intention of exclusive breastfeeding in pregnant women. Therefore, through improving attitudes and subjective norms, as well as increasing perceived behavioral control, increase of exclusive breastfeeding would be more promising.