Determinants Of Intention To Practice Exclusive Breastfeeding Based On The Theory Of Planned Behavior Among Pregnant Women In Umuahia South, Abia State.:- Ugbo, Chimezirim E

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the determinants ofintention to practiee exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among pregnant women in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and the study population comprised pregnant women attending antenatal care across selected healthcare facilities within the LGA. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 325 respondents was determined, and participants were selected through a multistage random sampling technique that incorporated both rural and urban facilities. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, which covered socio-dcmographic and antenatal characteristics, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and"intention to practice EBF. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured, and the tool was pretested to ensure reliability. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0, employing descriptive statistics to summarize socio-dcmographic and breastfeeding characteristics, and Pearson correlation to examine relationships among TPB constructs and sociodemographic factors. The findings revealed that majority (53.4%) ofthe women were aged 26-35 years, (71.8%) were married and living with their spouses, and (89.3%) had attained tertiary education. Regarding antenatal characteristics, (49.5%) were first-time mothers, and (53.4%) had no children. The largest proportion (44.7%) were in their second trimester. Antenatal clinic attendance was high (86.4%), mainly at federal medical centres (37.9%) and private hospitals (37.9%). Analysis of breastfeeding information during antenatal care visit revealed(75.7%) reported exposure to infant formula promotion, and (68.0%) to bottle-feeding promotion. Overall participants demonstrated a moderately positive intention towards exclusive breastfeeding (mean = 0.63±0.53). The highest mean score (1.76±0.51) highlights respondents strong intention to carry their baby immediately after delivery and maintain skin to skin contact. Notably, respondents that have the intention to breastfeed their baby with only breast milk within the first one hour of delivery (1.60±0.78) have a positive involvement in practicing EBF, while respondents that intend to feed their baby with feeding bottle with nipple/teat within the first six months (0.24±1.23) has low intention of adopting such feeding process. Notably, a significantly relationship, which is the attitude ofrespondents towards exclusive breastfeeding as they admitted that it will be good fortheir health and that oftheir baby (1.74±0.57). The analysis indicates a bond that will be created between respondent and their baby ifthey practice exclusive breastfeeding (1.42±0.85). The study concluded that, despite high educational attainment and antenatal clinic attendants among respondents, gaps in breastfeeding counseling persist with commercial promotion of breast milk, substitutes overshadowing optimal feeding guidance. Strengthening antenatal education on breastfeeding, discouraging promotion of substitutes and enhancing supportive environment through family involvement are crucial strategies to improved exclusive breastfeeding intentions and practices.