Using The Health Belief Model To Predict Primiparous And Multiparous Expectant Fathers’ Intention To Support Exclusive Breastfeeding In Rural Locations In Abia State :- Ucheonye, Udosinachi M

ABSTRACT Fathers are an essential element in the social context of breastfeeding and their support is critical for successful breastfeeding. This study explored the health beliefs and intentions of expectant fathers to support exclusive breastfeeding in rural locations of Abia State, Nigeria. Data was collected from the fathers using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on socio-demographic characteristics, health belief model and intention to support exclusive breastfeeding. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were used to analyze the data and determine relationships between the variables. A total of 163 expectant fathers, comprising of 38% primiparous and 62% multiparous, participated in this crosssectional survey. The fathers were predominantly aged 26-35 years, with the majority (72.4%) having tertiary education and 47.9% engaged in business or trading. The awareness of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be high (69.9%) while knowledge levels varied, with 39.9% ofthe fathers having excellent knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and 20.2% good knowledge, 3.1% fair knowledge and 0.6% poor knowledge respectively. The findings further revealed that the primiparous fathers perceived more benefits (1.04±0.86) of exclusive breastfeeding than the multiparous fathers (0.61±1.22). The multiparous fathers did not perceive less susceptibility (- 0.19±1.12) but perceived less severity (0.09±1.06) towards the dangers of not exclusively breastfeeding. More so, all the fathers perceived moderate barriers (0.50±1.01) to supporting exclusive breastfeeding, while self-efficacy was high among the primiparous fathers (1.15±0.86), than the multiparous fathers (0.58±1.13). The results also revealed that 63.2% of fathers exhibited high intention to support exclusive breastfeeding, while 24.5% had an average intention, and 12.3% displayed low intention respectively. The result also revealed that the fathers’ intention to support exclusive breastfeeding was positively associated with perceived susceptibility (r = 0.272**’ p.= 0.000), perceived severity (r = 0.311**’ p = 0.000), perceived benefits (r = 0.399**’ p = 0.000), perceived barriers (r = 0.300**’ p = 0.000), cues to action (r = 0.532**’ p = 0.000) and self-efficacy (r = 0.519**’ p = 0.000) suggesting that a stronger intention to support exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a positive motivation and belief in the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Hence, tailored strategies are recommended to strengthen fathers’ involvement and address barriers specific to rural communities in Abia State, ultimately improving breastfeeding outcomes and maternal-infant health.