 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jeanne-Marie Havener, Ph D, RN, C, FNP and Gale A. Spencer, RN, PhD. Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, AB 302 Bingahmton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, (607)777-6003, havenerj@hartwick.edu
Because locations may vary according to site and situational dimensions, variations in behaviors and behavioral intentions may be seen. Using Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (1980) this study aimed to: (a) understand differences in intentions to breastfeed in a low-income population based on spatial location on a rural-to-urban continuum; and (b) develop an understanding of how spatial location affected the local capacity and breastfeeding outcomes in a low-income population. Using power analysis, a random sampling of equal numbers of prenatal, primiparous subjects (n = 50) was obtained from three county WIC programs (urban, moderately rural, or rural) in Upstate New York. Using a self-administered tool, data were gathered from individual subjects as well as the community. Data analysis using parametric and non-parametric techniques were conducted and indicated: (1) statistically significant differences in measures of infant feeding intentions (attitudes, social and professional support for breastfeeding, and perceived breastfeeding control) as well as stated infant feeding intentions based on spatial location (urban, moderately rural, or rural); (2) support for the predictive ability of the theoretical variables as well as spatial location, commuting distance, and previous exposure to breastfeeding; and, (3) differences in the predictive ability of the theory and it's variables on infant feeding intentions based on spatial location. The community survey indicated differences in breastfeeding outcomes and the availability and accessibility of services to promote and support breastfeeding. These findings suggest that spatial location has a contingent-causative role in infant feeding decisions and subsequent infant feeding behaviors.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Decision-Making
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The study described was conducted in WIC program sites.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.