ASSESSMENT OF BREAST-FEEDING INTENTION USING THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL AND THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION

This study applied the Transtheoretical Model and the Theory of Reason ed Action to understanding the intention to initiate breastfeeding amo ng socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women. Study objectives in cluded: (1) assessing the feasibility of using the two theories to exp lain breastfeeding intention and (2) examining the inter-relationships between the two theories regarding breastfeeding intention. A theoret ically based examination of the factors related to breastfeeding inten tion could lead to improved breastfeeding promotion strategies. This a rticle examines the preliminary development of a relatively reliable i nstrument for assessing breastfeeding intention according to the two t heories. Each theory successfully described breastfeeding intention in a sample of 1001 low-income, primarily minority pregnant women. Moreo ver, the two theories included several comparable constructs significa ntly correlated with each other. Breastfeeding research and educationa l strategy development founded upon the constructs of the two theories may improve breastfeeding initiation rates through increasing women's intention to breastfeed.