Factors Related to the Breastfeeding Intention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Nursing Mothers of the Rural Area of Baiza in 2018

Background & objectives: The significance of optimal breastfeeding of infants for their survival, growth, and development has been recognized and accepted as an important public health issue over the past decades. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the breastfeeding intention behavior of mothers referring to health centers in rural area of Baiza, south of Fars province, on exclusive breastfeeding, based on theory of planned behavior during the first six months after birth in 2018. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. A questionnaire was administered to 116 mothers who were selected by simple random sampling among whom referred to the health centers in Beyza. Mothers completed the demographic information and the theory of planned behavior questionnaire including attitudinal structure, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention through self-report method. The data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software using Pearsonchr('39')s correlation coefficient and linear regression. Results: The mean age of mothers was 26.60±4.87. In regression analysis, attitude (B=0.24, p<0.001) and subjective norms (B=0.23, p<0.001) significantly predicted breastfeeding intention, but perceived behavioral control was not a significant predictor of intention (B=0.24, p>0.05). Conclusion: In order to improve exclusive breastfeeding, it is necessary to consider the necessary interventions which can improve awareness, subjective norms, attitude and behavioral control of mothers.