Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months postpartum is promoted internationally
as the preferred method of feeding infants. Infants of parents with a history of asthma
in particular could benefit from a longer period (6 months) of breastfeeding, because this may
reduce the chance of developing an allergic disease. The aim of this study was to identify
psychosocial behavioral determinants of the intended duration and actual initiation of breastfeeding
in families with a predisposition to asthma.
Methods: This prospective study was part of a randomized trial in which breastfeeding for
6 months was promoted. The 89 women participating completed a breastfeeding questionnaire
based on the Attitude–Social Influence–Self-Efficacy model in the second trimester of
their pregnancy. This served as the baseline measurement.
Results: Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses showed that attitudinal beliefs
were significantly associated with the intended duration to breastfeed (p = 0.01) and the intention
was the strongest predictor for the actual initiation of breastfeeding (OR: 8.2; 95% CI:
1.5 to 44.3).
Conclusion: Breastfeeding promotion needs to focus on the health advantages and other advantages
of breastfeeding for 6 months, especially in high-risk groups, in order to increase
the intention to breastfeed, which appeared to be a strong predictor for actual behavior.
