Speakers
Description
BREASTFEEDING AND INTENTIONS FOR BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
OF FIRST-TIME FATHERS IN DUMAGUETE CITY
Camille Marie A. Allena, Theresa A. Guino-o, et al.
College of Nursing, Silliman University ( sucn@su.edu.ph)
Abstract
The WHO affirms that breastmilk is the best, safe food for infants. This study sought to describe the attitudes and intentions of first-time fathers and their possible influence on the infant feeding practice. Respondents (n-101) were selected through a multistage, proportionate random sampling from 15 Barangays in Dumaguete City, Philippines. After ethics approval, self-administered questionnaires comprising the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), Level of Intention to Breastfeeding Exclusivity Scale (LOITBES), and a demographics questionnaire were used to collect data. The results showed that most respondents were aged 23-28, single but cohabiting, had a college or high school education, were Roman Catholic, were employed full-time, and had a monthly income below Php 11,000. There was a neutral overall attitude score (3.56) toward breastfeeding among first-time fathers, with a high intention score (2.58) to support breastfeeding exclusively. The Chi-Square test and Point Bi-serial test (0.05) revealed no significant relationship between the paternal attitude towards infant breastfeeding, level of intention for breastfeeding exclusivity, and sociodemographic profile variables: civil status, highest educational attainment, religious affiliation, occupation, and monthly income. However, a significant relationship was seen between the positive paternal attitude and age. Therefore, a considerable number of first-time fathers are supportive of breastfeeding. Despite a high intention for breastfeeding exclusivity, they may have insufficient knowledge about its importance and benefits, thereby not necessarily promoting or discouraging the infant feeding practice. It is recommended that the factors influencing breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fathers be addressed and studied to increase breastfeeding support towards improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is this work related to:
Initiation and Promotion of Breastfeeding Exclusivity
Keywords
breastfeeding, breastfeeding exclusivity, paternal attitudes
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Ms. Camille Marie A. Allena (student)
Theresa A. Guino-o, PhD RN (Dean)
| Organization Name | Silliman University College of Nursing |
|---|
