Effect of Theory of Planned Behavior-based Educational Intervention on Breastfeeding Behavior in Pregnant Women in Fasa City, Iran

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a matter of significant importance. Given the role of such factors as attitude and subjective norms on the behavior of mothers and the low level of exclusive breastfeeding, the present study aimed to determine the effect of educational program based on the theory of planned behavior on breastfeeding behavior among the pregnant women in Fasa, Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 pregnant women with the gestational age of 30-35 weeks who referred to the health care centers of Fasa, Iran, in 2017. The study population was selected using random sampling technique, and then assigned into two groups of control (n= 50) and intervention (n= 50). The data were collected using a demographic form, components of the theory of planned behavior questionnaire, and abreastfeeding checklist. The intervention group received three 55-to-60-minute training sessions. The mothers breastfeeding behavior was evaluated before the training sessions and 40 days postdelivery in both groups Results: According to the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the components of the theory of planned behavior before the educational intervention (P= 0.208). However, after the training sessions, the intervention group showed a significantimprovement in all components of the theory of planned behavior Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, appropriate training programs, social networksupport, and suitable conditions for breastfeeding in the community are among the effective factors that can change the mothers’ attitudes towards lactation and result in successful breastfeeding in the first three months after childbirth.

Keywords:

Breastfeeding Behavior , Exclusive Breastfeeding , Theory of Planned Behavior