Determinants of fathers’ involvement in breastfeeding practices in Kuala Selangor
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2020-0070
- Author:
Nurul Izyan Mat Nawi
1
;
Syahrul Bariah Abdul Hamid
2
Author Information
1. Centre of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Mother, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MiChild) Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Breastfeeding support, paternal involvement, breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding attitude, involvement
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2021;27(No.1):15-26
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Fathers’ knowledge, attitude, and involvement in breastfeeding
practices are crucial factors to determine the success of breastfeeding outcomes such
as decision-making on breastfeeding, successfulness of exclusive breastfeeding,
and continuation of breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to identify the
determinants of fathers’ involvement in breastfeeding practices. Methods: This
cross-sectional study involved 203 fathers attending Maternal and Child Health
Clinics in Kuala Selangor. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain
information regarding fathers’ sociodemography, breastfeeding knowledge,
attitudes, and involvement towards breastfeeding practices. Results: Mean age of
the fathers was 32.1±5.9 years, ranging between 21 to 50 years. Findings showed
that majority of the fathers were involved in breastfeeding practices (52.7%; n=107,
57.0±6.2), had fair knowledge in breastfeeding (62.6%; n=127, 13.8±3.2), and
showed low attitude towards breastfeeding (68.0%; n=138, 61.9±6.7). Multiple
logistic regression analysis revealed factors with significant influence on fathers’
involvement towards breastfeeding practices were: (1) fathers’ breastfeeding
knowledge, (2) fathers’ attitudes towards breastfeeding practices, and (3) mode
of infant delivery. Conclusion: These significant predictors may help healthcare
professionals to establish effective strategies by advocating the role of fathers in the
breastfeeding process such as by offering continuous support, active involvement,
and effective participation.
- Full text:4.2021my0521.pdf
