Original Article

Pediatricians’, Obstetricians’, Gynecologists’, and Family Medicine Physicians’ Experiences with and Attitudes about Breast-Feeding

Authors: Inés Anchondo, DrPH, Lizabeth Berkeley, MPH, Zuber D. Mulla, PhD, Theresa Byrd, DrPH, Bahij Nuwayhid, MD, PhD, Gilbert Handal, MD, Ralitsa Akins, MD, PhD

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate physicians’ breast-feeding experiences and attitudes using a survey based on two behavioral theories: theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the health belief model (HBM).


Methods: There were 73 participants included in the investigation. These participants were resident and faculty physicians from pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine at a university campus, located on the US-Mexico border. The sample was reduced to 53 and 56 records for the attitude and confidence variables, respectively. Physicians answered a survey about their breast-feeding experiences and attitudes to learn about intention and ability applying constructs from TRA and HBM. An attitude scale, confidence variable (from self-efficacy items), and a lactation training index were created for the analysis.


Results: Analysis of the association between physicians’ breastfeeding experiences and their attitudes revealed physicians are knowledgeable about breast-feeding and have positive attitudes towards breast-feeding. They did not seem to remember how long they breast-fed their children or whether they enjoyed breast-feeding, but they wanted to continue breast-feeding. Physicians cite work as a main reason for not continuing to breast-feed.


Conclusions: Physicians’ attitudes toward breast-feeding are positive. They are expected to practice health-promotion behavior including breast-feeding; however, physicians’ breast-feeding rates are low and although they are knowledgeable about breast-feeding their training lacks on didactic depth and hands-on experience. If physicians learn more about breast-feeding and breast-feed exclusively and successfully, the rates in the United States would increase naturally.

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