Predicting perceived exclusive breastfeeding behavior among higher education female students in Saudi Arabia: Application of the theory of planned behavior using structural equation modeling

The decision for infant feeding behaviors is often made early in life, based on the socio-cultural context. Thus, exploring this issue and its influencing factors can create Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) culture among future mothers. This study aimed to predict EBF behavior among female higher educa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African journal of reproductive health 2023-05, Vol.27 (5), p.58-71
Main Authors: Sayed, Samiha H, Bugis, Bussma A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Breast feeding
Breastfeeding & lactation
Culture
Decision making
Education
Feeding behavior
Females
Health promotion
Higher education
Knowledge
Self-efficacy
Structural equation modeling
Students
Theory of planned behavior
University students
Womens health
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Summary:The decision for infant feeding behaviors is often made early in life, based on the socio-cultural context. Thus, exploring this issue and its influencing factors can create Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) culture among future mothers. This study aimed to predict EBF behavior among female higher education students in Saudi Arabia through the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This descriptive exploratory research was conducted on three university campuses in three cities (Dammam, Jeddah, and Abha). A multistage cluster random sampling was employed to select 600 female students using a digital survey containing three sections: Personal Data and Previous BF Exposure, EBF Knowledge Scale, and The TPB constructs for the EBF scale (attitude, Subjective Norms/SN, Perceived Behavioral Contro 1/PBC, intention, and Perceived Behavior). The results showed that the highest percent of the participants had moderate B F exposure (63.8%) and knowledge (65.7%), positive attitude (85.8%), high SN (66.2%), moderate PBC (75.8%), high intention (55.2%), and positive perceived behavior (55.2%). The SEM had acceptable fit indices were χ2/df ratio=3.817, GFI=0.935, RMSEA=0.044, NFI=0.942, CFI=0.951, PCFI =0. 924. It showed that the EBF attitude (ß=0.607), SN (ß=0.123), and PBC (ß=0.158) were significant positive and direct predictors of the EBF intention (P
ISSN:1118-4841
DOI:10.29063/ajrh2023/v27i5.6