Investigating the Factors Affecting the Tendency Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Mothers Referring to Comprehensive Health Centers

Background and Objectives: Human milk has properties that can be absorbed in terms of quality and quantity, providing the energy and growth of the child. The theory of planned behavior is one of the patterns of behavior change aimed at determining the main behavior. In this model, the intention itself is affected by three independent constructs: attitude, abstract norm, and control. The present study aimed to assess the factors affecting the tendency towards exclusive breastfeeding based on the theory of planned behavior in mothers referring to comprehensive health centers in Abadan and Khorramshahr in 2022-2023. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 162 nursing mothers in Khorramshahr and Abadan in 2022 using multi-stage sampling. In this study, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) questionnaire was used. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was also used to check the reliability of the tool. Data were analyzed in AMOS software (version 24). Results: This study was conducted on 162 lactating mothers living in Abadan and Khorramshahr. In the descriptive statistics analysis, the highest and lowest mean scores were related to attitude level (34.96) and behavioral intention (11.24). Moreover, the correlation between demographic factors and breastfeeding revealed that some variables, such as parents' education, exerted a marked effect on exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The results of the study pointed out that more than half of the children under six months were exclusively breastfed, and the initiation of breastfeeding in the first two hours of birth is one of the most important factors affecting breastfeeding. Health policymakers need to devote close attention to strengthening the child's breastfeeding attitude as soon as possible