Attitudes, knowledge, and intentions related to breastfeeding among university undergraduate women and men

J Hum Lact. 2008 May;24(2):186-92. doi: 10.1177/0890334408316072.

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine university undergraduate women's and men's attitudes and knowledge toward breastfeeding. Data were gathered for 111 women and 50 men. Data showed a significant relationship between positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and exposure to breastfeeding. Women and participants older than 20 years scored higher on measures of knowledge and attitudes. Results indicated that positive attitude toward breastfeeding was a significant predictor of intention to breastfeed among women and men. In conclusion, the results suggest that understanding attitudes among young adults is an important line of research. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at improving attitudes about breastfeeding and increasing initiation of breastfeeding among this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Breast Feeding / psychology*
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires