Defining Behavior Patterns Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding Using Latent Class Analysis

Background: The interruption of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is worrying. This study aimed to identify behavior patterns towards EBF among mothers and health professionals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort consisting of ۱۳۰۹ women. We used latent class analysis (LCA), considering ۱۵ indicators for defining ۴ constructs: maternal emotional state, availability to breastfeed, maternal attitude, and health professional’s attitude towards breastfeeding. Results: Among mothers, ۳۶.۵% were classified as being in an unfavorable emotional state; they presented a higher probability of feeling tired, nervous, and sad; ۱۴.۷% had less availability to breastfeed and a higher probability of including primiparous and partners not helping to care for the child; ۴۱.۵% had negative attitude towards breastfeeding, including mothers more likely to give a pacifier and bottle. Among health professionals, ۶۲.۰% were categorized with unfavorable attitude towards breastfeeding, not providing guidance on breastfeeding in the hospital.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breastfeeding ، Child Nutrition ، Behavior ، Quantitative Methods ، Latent Class Analysis