Breastfeeding practices among Malaysian motfiers
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Ooi Yen, Kuah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia remains low at I 4.5 per cent despite
breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. By utilizing
the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the researcher tried to understand the decision making
process of Malaysia mothers when decide for breastfeeding. Based on the TRA, intention is
defined as a function of two factors, one is personal attitude and the other one is subjective
norm that is influenced by social acceptance.
A 160 number of Malaysian mothers were interviewed at a private hospital. Result
revealed that 76 per cent of the respondent used to breastfeeding their children before. Among
these mothers, 24 per cent of them breastfed their infant for one month only and 32 per cent
breastfed for more than 12 months. The most important reason that encourages the mothers to
breastfeed is to give the best nutrients and protection against infection for their infants.
Lactation and lack of confidence/prior experience are major obstacles that hinder most
mothers from breastfeeding.
Bas'ed on the survey findings, all research questions have been answered and the
hypotheses were supported. Both Attitude and Subjective norm were positively related to the
intention of breastfeeding. Test result also shown that Intention to perform breastfeeding can
be used as a proxy of behaviour of breastfeeding. Due to the indisputable benefits of
breastfeeding, the recent findings warrant health care workers and educators to consider
mothers' attitude and subjective norms factors when promoting breastfeeding.
Description
Keywords
Malaysian mothers , Private Hospital