Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum is a World Health Organization objective and benefits have been demonstrated for both mother and infant. It is important to clarify which factors influence breastfeeding intentions. Our objective was to assess and identify socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with breastfeeding intention in a sample of pregnant Italian women. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 160 pregnant women. The following psychological constructs were measured using standardized questionnaires: anxiety, prenatal attachment, adult attachment, personality traits, and intention to breastfeed. Socio-demographic data were also collected using a self-report questionnaire. Assessment took place after the 20th gestational week. Results: Self-employment, age and feeding received as an infant were significantly related to breastfeeding intention. Regarding psychological factors, we also found that Neuroticism was negatively associated with mother's breastfeeding intentions. Relationships between psychological constructs and breastfeeding attitude were examined and represented within a graphical modeling framework. Conclusion: It may be possible to identify women that are less inclined to breastfeed early on in pregnancy. This may aid healthcare staff to pay particular attention to women who show certain socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, so as to fulfill more focused programs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1872 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | NOV |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 29 2016 |
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Keywords
- Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding intention
- Italy
- Neuroticism
- Psychological factors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
Cite this
Identification of socio-demographic and psychological factors affecting women's propensity to breastfeed : An Italian Cohort. / Di Mattei, Valentina Elisabetta; Carnelli, Letizia; Bernardi, Martina; Jongerius, Chiara; Brombin, Chiara; Cugnata, Federica; Ogliari, Anna; Rinaldi, Stefania; Candiani, Massimo; Sarno, Lucio.
In: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 7, No. NOV, 1872, 29.11.2016.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Identification of socio-demographic and psychological factors affecting women's propensity to breastfeed
T2 - An Italian Cohort
AU - Di Mattei, Valentina Elisabetta
AU - Carnelli, Letizia
AU - Bernardi, Martina
AU - Jongerius, Chiara
AU - Brombin, Chiara
AU - Cugnata, Federica
AU - Ogliari, Anna
AU - Rinaldi, Stefania
AU - Candiani, Massimo
AU - Sarno, Lucio
PY - 2016/11/29
Y1 - 2016/11/29
N2 - Background: Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum is a World Health Organization objective and benefits have been demonstrated for both mother and infant. It is important to clarify which factors influence breastfeeding intentions. Our objective was to assess and identify socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with breastfeeding intention in a sample of pregnant Italian women. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 160 pregnant women. The following psychological constructs were measured using standardized questionnaires: anxiety, prenatal attachment, adult attachment, personality traits, and intention to breastfeed. Socio-demographic data were also collected using a self-report questionnaire. Assessment took place after the 20th gestational week. Results: Self-employment, age and feeding received as an infant were significantly related to breastfeeding intention. Regarding psychological factors, we also found that Neuroticism was negatively associated with mother's breastfeeding intentions. Relationships between psychological constructs and breastfeeding attitude were examined and represented within a graphical modeling framework. Conclusion: It may be possible to identify women that are less inclined to breastfeed early on in pregnancy. This may aid healthcare staff to pay particular attention to women who show certain socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, so as to fulfill more focused programs.
AB - Background: Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum is a World Health Organization objective and benefits have been demonstrated for both mother and infant. It is important to clarify which factors influence breastfeeding intentions. Our objective was to assess and identify socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with breastfeeding intention in a sample of pregnant Italian women. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 160 pregnant women. The following psychological constructs were measured using standardized questionnaires: anxiety, prenatal attachment, adult attachment, personality traits, and intention to breastfeed. Socio-demographic data were also collected using a self-report questionnaire. Assessment took place after the 20th gestational week. Results: Self-employment, age and feeding received as an infant were significantly related to breastfeeding intention. Regarding psychological factors, we also found that Neuroticism was negatively associated with mother's breastfeeding intentions. Relationships between psychological constructs and breastfeeding attitude were examined and represented within a graphical modeling framework. Conclusion: It may be possible to identify women that are less inclined to breastfeed early on in pregnancy. This may aid healthcare staff to pay particular attention to women who show certain socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, so as to fulfill more focused programs.
KW - Breastfeeding
KW - Breastfeeding intention
KW - Italy
KW - Neuroticism
KW - Psychological factors
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85006416169&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85006416169&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01872
DO - 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01872
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85006416169
VL - 7
JO - Frontiers in Psychology
JF - Frontiers in Psychology
SN - 1664-1078
IS - NOV
M1 - 1872
ER -