Reproductive-Aged Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Infant-Feeding Practices: An Experimental Evaluation

Abstract

Using an experimental design, this study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding infant feeding practices among Canadian female university undergraduates (N = 285). Participants completed a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and intentions with respect to infant-feeding practices. Two versions of the survey were randomly distributed to participants: one containing a photograph of a woman breastfeeding her infant (n = 131) and the other containing a photograph of the same women bottle-feeding her infant (n = 154). Findings indicated that the majority of the sample had been breastfed (84%) and intend to breastfeed their own offspring (97%). The intention to breastfeed future offspring was predicted by knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social norms. Participants reported more positive attitudes toward visual depictions of breastfeeding compared with bottle-feeding but less positive views of breastfeeding in public compared with bottle-feeding in public. Participants also significantly underestimated the health benefits and optimal duration of breastfeeding. The findings highlight gaps in knowledge that may contribute to premature cessation of breastfeeding among Canadian women and suggest the need for breastfeeding education.