Infant feeding attitudes, feeding method choice and breastfeeding initiation among African American and Caucasian women
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Darlene J. Street (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Lynne Lewallen
Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between race and infant feeding attitude on the decision to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation in African American and Caucasian women. The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the perceived cultural influences on infant feeding decisions and breastfeeding initiation.
A descriptive non-experimental mixed-methods design was used in this study to examine the relationship between race and infant feeding attitudes on the decision to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation in African American and Caucasian women. This study used a convenience sample and participants were recruited at prenatal classes from three different geographical locations in North Carolina. A Prenatal Data Collection Tool was used to gather demographic data and information about intended feeding patterns. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale was used to measure the variable of infant feeding attitudes. In addition to the instruments used for this study, an open ended question about culture was included as part of the survey Participants were contacted by the researcher after discharge by phone to determine breastfeeding initiation. Results suggest that race was not a significant variable and there is no difference in infant feeding attitude scores between African American and Caucasian women in this study. There was also no difference in the relationship between decision to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation in African American and Caucasian women. Infant Feeding Attitude was found to be a predictor of decision to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation. Study findings will be used to assist healthcare providers in understanding the relationship between infant feeding attitude and breastfeeding practices that may affect the disparity that exist in the breastfeeding practices of African American women.
Infant feeding attitudes, feeding method choice and breastfeeding initiation among African American and Caucasian women
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Created on 5/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- African American Women, Breastfeeding, Infant feeding attitudes, Initiation
- Subjects
- Breastfeeding $x Research