Conformity to Subjective Norm and Attitudes towards Breastfeeding in Public, as Observed in Mothers with Children Aged 6-12 Months
Keywords:
breastfeeding in public, attitudes, conformity to subjective norms, breastfeeding mothers with children aged 6-12 monthsAbstract
Objective: This study compared mothers who did breastfeeding in public with
those who did not in terms of their conformity to subjective norms and attitudes towards
breastfeeding in public.
Design: Descriptive comparative design.
Procedure: The sample consisted of 68 mothers who had their children, aged
between 6 and 12 months, immunised at Sukhaphap Dek Dee Clinic (Healthy Kids Clinic).
Data were collected by means of (1) a general profle form; (2) a ‘Mother’s Experience
in Breastfeeding in Public’ questionnaire; (3) an ‘Acceptance of Breastfeeding in Public’
questionnaire; and (4) an ‘Attitudes towards Breastfeeding in Public’ questionnaire’.
The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-test and an
Independent T-test.
Results: The study revealed no statistically signifcant difference between the two
groups of mothers in their conformity to subjective norms regarding breastfeeding in public
(.05 (Z = -1.313, p = .189)). However, the two groups displayed a statistically signifcant
difference in their attitudes towards breastfeeding in public (t = -2.325, df = 66, p < .05).
Recommendations: It is recommended that nurses provide mothers with practical
preparatory guidelines to breastfeeding in public, and give them compliments, in order
to help them develop positive attitudes towards and confdence in breastfeeding in
public.
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