Intention and practive of exclusive breastfeeding for the frst six months: The results of a community-based intervention targeting fathers applying theory of planned behavior

Tran Huu Bich*, Duong Kim Tuan

Hanoi University of Public Health
 

Objective: To test the primary hypothesis is that breastfeeding behavior change intervention targeting fathers can help increase intention to exclusive breastfeeding and 6-month exclusive breastfeeding practice of the mothers in the intervention group.

Methods: A number of 390 couples in the intervention (Kim Thanh district) and 412 couples in the control group (Cam Giang district) were recruited in a one-year multi-channel, community-based intervention study targeting fathers. Fathers in the intervention area received breastfeeding education materials, counseling services at commune health centers and household visits and participated in father’s club’s activities during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods. In the control site, fathers did not receive any father targeting services implemented in the intervention site. Theory of planned behavior was used to improve intention to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and EBF at 6 months. Primary and secondary indicators were EBF at 6 months, mother’s intention to EBF.

Main findings: Intention to EBF was signifcantly higher in the intervention group. At 6 months of age, based on since birth recall, 4.1% of mothers in the intervention group were exclusively breastfeeding their children, compared to 0% of those in the control group.

Conclusions: The intervention may be effective in changing intention to exclusive breastfeeding and EBF at 6 months. To improve EBF, health care staff working in maternal and child health should consider targeting and integrating fathers of the intact family with services aimed at breastfeeding promotion.

Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Health promotion, Fathers, Theory of planned behaviour, Vietnam.

 

*Corresponding author: Tran Huu Bich

Work place: Hanoi University of Public Health

Email: thb@huph.edu.vn

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