Relationship among Breastfeeding Exposure, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Collegiate Males Residing in East Texas

Abstract

Background: Researchers exploring breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among women suggest the decision to breastfeed is influenced by the male partner, yet few studies address males. Because collegiate males will soon enter fatherhood, assessment of their attitudes and knowledge may inform interventions aimed at increasing intention to breastfeed. Research aim: This study aimed to describe collegiate males’ exposure to, attitude toward, and knowledge about breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used with males ≥ 18 years of age enrolled at a Texas public university. Attitude indices measured included social limitations, public displays of breastfeeding, and employer accommodations. Descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses were employed. Results: The participants’ ( N = 949) average age was 25.48 years; > 80% reported not being fathers. Exposure to breastfeeding was high; > 80% witnessed breastfeeding and/or had someone close breastfeed. High attitude scores indicated social acceptability of breastfeeding. Knowledge appeared limited: only 16% identified the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; > 50% overlooked the reduced risk for overweight/obesity, ear infections, diarrhea, or food allergies. Correlations between knowledge, exposure, total attitude, and index scores were positive ( p < .01) except for the public displays index. Stepwise multiple regression determined that breastfeeding exposure, knowledge scores, and father’s educational level predicted total attitude score, ( R2 = 0.13, F (3,851) = 44.02, p < .01). Conclusion: The positive attitudes outcome among this male population is promising for breastfeeding support and advocacy. Education efforts improving knowledge will likely increase behavioral intention, resulting in increased breastfeeding rates and duration.

Differences in the Perceived Understanding of Common Breastfeeding Misconceptions among Adults Pursuing an Undergraduate College Degree

“…An exploratory factor analysis of the scale indicated it to be a valid measure of breastfeeding knowledge and understanding among this sample of adult college students but was not found to be reliable when tested a second time in a subset of study participants. The author of the current study agrees with the suggestions of investigators of similar breastfeeding knowledge studies, conducted previously among college students in the US, to increase the diversity of samples and to expand participant recruitment to include a represent able sample of adult college students nationwide (Heathman et al, 2019;Kavanagh et al, 2012).…”

“…These results are similar to other studies that assessed breastfeeding knowledge in some way among adult college students with regard to higher scores among those of older age (Hamade et al, 2014;Lou et al, 2014), female (Chang et al, 2012;Kavanagh et al, 2012;Payghan & Kadam, 2012), married (Ebrahim et al, 2011), being born in the US (Chang et al, 2012), and Caucasian race (Jefferson, 2017) in the samples. Two previous studies had found no difference in breastfeeding knowledge by race (Chang et al, 2012;Heathman et al, 2019). There were also conflicting results regarding significant differences in score among students were breastfed as children or not.…”

“…Multiple studies have been conducted in the southern region of the United States (i.e., Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas) to assess college students' knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding (Chang, Valliant, & Bomba, 2012;Heathman, Douglas, & Camel, 2019;Jefferson, 2017;Kavanagh, Lou, Nicklas, Habibi, & Murphy, 2012). The studies used previously validated attitude questionnaires or pieced together knowledge scales from previously published literature to find that college students had mixed feelings about breastfeeding and a generally "good"level knowledge of breastfeeding.…”