Exploring determinants of exclusive breastfeeding intention in nulliparous pregnant women: A cross-sectional path analysis

Background: One of the most important ways to improve neonatal health is Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF).  Objective: In this study, the determinants of EBF intention were investigated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in nulliparous pregnant women.  Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among ۲۴۹ pregnant women in Kerman in ۲۰۲۰. Data was collected using a questionnaire, including, questions related to knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and the intention of EBF. SEM in Amos statistical software version ۲۰ was used to examine the relationships between the studied variables. Results: The mean age of participants was ۲۶.۹۸±۶.۱۶ years and the majority of them were housewife. There was significant correlation between the intention of EBF and self-efficacy (r=۰.۵۹۷, P<۰.۰۰۱) knowledge (r=۰.۳۳۷, P<۰.۰۰۱) and attitude (r=۰.۳۴۴, P<۰.۰۰۱). Breastfeeding self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intention to EBF (β=۰.۳۵۲, P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: This study revealed that mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy was the most important predictor of the EBF intention.