Assessment of breastfeeding intention using the transtheoretical model and the theory of reasoned action

Abstract

This study applied the Transtheoretical Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action to understanding the intention to initiate breastfeeding among socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women. Study objectives included: (1) assessing the feasibility of using the two theories to explain breastfeeding intention and (2) examining the inter-relationships between the two theories regarding breastfeeding intention. A theoretically based examination of the factors related to breastfeeding intention could lead to improved breastfeeding promotion strategies. This article examines the preliminary development of a relatively reliable instrument for assessing breastfeeding intention according to the two theories. Each theory successfully described breastfeeding intention in a sample of 1001 low-income, primarily minority pregnant women. Moreover, the two theories included several comparable constructs significantly correlated with each other. Breastfeeding research and educational strategy development founded upon the constructs of the two theories may improve breastfeeding initiation rates through increasing women's intention to breastfeed.