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Normative vs. attitudinal considerations in breastfeeding behavior: multifaceted social influences in a developing country context

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  • Göksen, Fatos

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to test the basic assumptions underlying the theory of reasoned action (TRA) for exclusive breastfeeding behavior taking place in the rather complicated social environment of women who have just given birth. The paper aims (i) to argue that normative rather than attitudinal considerations are more important in engaging the correct breastfeeding behavior, and (ii) to demonstrate that the TRA concept of social norm should be treated as a multi-layered construct which involves several enabling factors in predicting complex behaviors such as breastfeeding. Data were collected in three phases as part of a prospective cohort follow-up design. The first phase of data collection was conducted in the hospital with mothers after the delivery. Two follow-up questionnaires were administered at the end of the first and second months. Results did not confirm the assertions of the TRA. Logistic regression models and multiple regression analyses indicated that intention and belief/attitude measures taken at the time of birth did not predict end-of-first-month full breastfeeding behavior. Overall, results revealed that intention by itself was not a strong determinant of breastfeeding unless it was conditioned by enabling factors such as social support and subjective norms regarding breastfeeding.

Suggested Citation

  • Göksen, Fatos, 2002. "Normative vs. attitudinal considerations in breastfeeding behavior: multifaceted social influences in a developing country context," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(12), pages 1743-1753, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:54:y:2002:i:12:p:1743-1753
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    Cited by:

    1. Scavenius, Michael & van Hulsel, Lonneke & Meijer, Julia & Wendte, Hans & Gurgel, Ricardo, 2007. "In practice, the theory is different: A processual analysis of breastfeeding in northeast Brazil," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(3), pages 676-688, February.
    2. S.F. Posner & L.A. Learman & E.A. Gates & A.E. Washington & M. Kuppermann, 2004. "Development of an Attitudes Measure for Prenatal Screening in Diverse Populations," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 65(2), pages 187-206, January.
    3. Alam, Nazmul & Streatfield, Peter Kim & Khan, Sharful Islam & Momtaz, Dalia & Kristensen, Sibylle & Vermund, Sten H., 2010. "Factors associated with partner referral among patients with sexually transmitted infections in Bangladesh," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(11), pages 1921-1926, December.

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