Attitude of Primiparous Mothers Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding: Application of Indirect Measurement

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is a very important principle in ensuring the health of infants. Its benefits for the infant, mother, family, and community are emphasized by all experts. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of mothers toward exclusive breastfeeding and its related factors. Methods: : This descriptive-analytical study performed on 420 women referred to comprehensive health services centers in Tehran. The samples were selected through multistage sampling. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of two sections: behavioral beliefs and evaluation of behavioral outcomes and were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA using SPSS 16. Results: : There was a significant relationship between attitude, behavioral beliefs, and evaluation of behavioral outcomes in mothers with their age, job, place of delivery and hospitalization of infants. There was also a significant relationship between mothers’ attitudes and behavioral beliefs with their husband’s education and the status of infants (P 0.05). Findings showed that most mothers' beliefs about the outcomes of exclusive nutrition (increased emotional bond between the mother and the infant, growth and strength of infant's bones and teeth, and infant's immunity to diseases such as diarrhea) were significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: When designing interventions, efforts should be made to create and maintain a positive attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding through the promotion of behavioral beliefs and evaluation of behavioral outcomes.