The behavioral determinants of breast-feeding in The Netherlands: predictors for the initiation of breast-feeding

E.J. Kools-Anten, C.T.M. Thijs*, H. de Vries

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral determinants of the initiation of breast-feeding at birth. The prospective cohort study used the attitude, social influence, self-efficacy (ASE) model in 373 pregnant women in five child health care centers. Prenatally, 72% of the women had the intention to breast-feed, and 73% actually started with breast-feeding at birth. Mothers who initiated breast-feeding differed in almost all the attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy determinants from others who initiated formula feeding. Intention was a very strong predictor of the initiation of breast-feeding. The components of the ASE model predicted the initiation of breast-feeding. Hence, the results may be used to tailor future interventions aimed at promoting breast-feeding.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)809-824
JournalHealth Education & Behavior
Volume32
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2005

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