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Beliefs about the Benefits of Breastfeeding: Formation and Effects on Breastfeeding Intention and Persistence

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  • Iryna Topolyan
  • Xu Xu

Abstract

Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey (IFPS) II, we investigate whether women’s beliefs about the benefits of breastfeeding significantly affect breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding persistence. We uncover factors that affect women’s beliefs about the benefits of breastfeeding. Our model allows for the endogenous belief formation and could be extended to study a wide range of situations, including beliefs about the benefits of exercise, organic versus conventional food consumption and so on. We find that beliefs have a highly statistically significant effect on breastfeeding intention and the likelihood of breastfeeding at the third and sixth month, which suggests the potential usefulness of educational campaigns aimed at raising breastfeeding awareness. Beliefs are indeed endogenous in the model of breastfeeding intention but not of breastfeeding persistence. JEL: D13, I10, I18, J13

Suggested Citation

  • Iryna Topolyan & Xu Xu, 2019. "Beliefs about the Benefits of Breastfeeding: Formation and Effects on Breastfeeding Intention and Persistence," Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics, , vol. 31(2), pages 143-164, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jinter:v:31:y:2019:i:2:p:143-164
    DOI: 10.1177/0260107918809878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Beliefs; breastfeeding; infant health; intention; theory of reasoned action;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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