The extended Theory of Planned Behavior in explaining exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background/objectives: The purpose of this study is to utilize an extended Theory of Planned Behavior in identifying predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention and behavior among women in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Subjects/methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting pregnant womenthrough two-stage cluster sampling. Their exclusive breastfeeding intention, attitude, perceived norm, perceived behavioral control and past behavior were obtained at baseline through interviewer-guided questionnaire.

Intention of pregnant women to exclusively breastfeed their infants: The role of beliefs in the theory of planned behaviour.

This study was aimed at identifying behavioural, normative and control belief influencing intention to practise exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women in Malaysia. An interviewer-guided questionnaire assessing behavioural, normative and control belief was developed based on the findings elicited from focus group discussions. Intention referred to the respondent's intended duration of exclusive breastfeeding, which was measured in weeks.