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

One of the most important ways to improve neonatal health is Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF). 

 In this study, the determinants of EBF intention were investigated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in nulliparous pregnant women. 

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.

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).

This study revealed that mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy was the most important predictor of the EBF intention.