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Infant Feeding Attitudes and Knowledge among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women in Glasgow

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Abstract

Objectives This study: (1) investigated infant feeding attitudes and knowledge among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers in an urban community with historically low breastfeeding rates, (2) examined the influence of women’s social networks on infant feeding attitudes and decisions, and (3) validated a measure of infant feeding attitudes and knowledge in this population (Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IIFAS). Methods Women attending a prenatal clinic (n = 49) reported on: (1) demographics, (2) infant feeding attitudes and knowledge (IIFAS), (3) feeding intent, (4) opinions about breastfeeding in public, and (5) social networks. Feeding method at discharge was abstracted from hospital charts. Social network members (n = 47) identified by the prenatal sample completed interviews covering: (1) demographics, (2) infant feeding attitudes and knowledge (IIFAS), (3) prior infant feeding methods and recommendations, and (4) opinions about breastfeeding in public. Results Mean IIFAS scores were low in both groups, indicating neutral to negative breastfeeding attitudes; mothers’ scores were lower than social network members. Higher maternal IIFAS score was significantly associated with intended and actual breastfeeding. A social network positive towards breastfeeding was significantly associated with mothers’ positive attitude towards breastfeeding. Both mothers and social network members support breastfeeding in public. IIFAS internal consistency was robust for both mothers and social network members. Predictive validity was demonstrated by significant positive association between score and intended and actual feeding methods. Conclusions Knowledge and attitude predict breastfeeding initiation in this population. Social network members may influence mothers’ feeding choices. This research is important because attitudes and knowledge derived from the IIFAS can be used to develop and evaluate breastfeeding promotion programs.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for this research was provided by the University of Glasgow, Department of Child Health Research Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Iowa, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA

    Claibourne I. Dungy

  2. Clinical Research Fellow, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Iris Murdoch Building, Stirling, Scotland, UK

    Rhona J. McInnes

  3. Department of Child Health, Paediatric Epidemiology and Community Health (PEACH) Unit, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

    David M. Tappin

  4. Department of Community & Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA

    Anne Baber Wallis & Florin Oprescu

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  1. Claibourne I. Dungy
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  2. Rhona J. McInnes
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Correspondence to Anne Baber Wallis.

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Dungy, C.I., McInnes, R.J., Tappin, D.M. et al. Infant Feeding Attitudes and Knowledge among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women in Glasgow. Matern Child Health J 12, 313–322 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-007-0253-9

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