Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Intention Among rural Pregnant Women in India: A Study Using Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Introduction: Documentation on prenatal intention for exclusive breastfeeding in rural India is scarce. The objective of this study was to examine exclusive breastfeeding intention and its predictors among rural pregnant women in Odisha state of India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 218 pregnant rural women in Odisha. A structured data collection tool was developed to measure knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, perceived control and intention for exclusive breastfeeding using continuous assessment scales. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was carried out. Results: Only 29.8% of pregnant women reported a high intention for exclusive breastfeeding. Higher age (odds ratio (OR) 3.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48, 9.96), being literate (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06, 3.54), lower caste category (OR 6.85, 95% CI 1.88, 24.91) and receipt of breastfeeding education (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.27, 5.65) had a significant relationship with exclusive breastfeeding intention. Breastfeeding education was positively associated with knowledge, attitude and subjective norm, but inversely related with perceived control (all p<0.05). High knowledge (OR 116.87, 95% CI 35.24, 387.56), positive attitude (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.46, 6.62), supportive norm (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.54, 4.77) and greater perceived control (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.22, 16.61) among pregnant women had potential effects on their exclusive breastfeeding intention. Conclusions: The study implies that appropriate breastfeeding education sessions need to be tailor-made for prenatal stage to improve exclusive breastfeeding intention and practice in rural Odisha.