International Journal of Nursing

Breastfeeding Promotion in an Ethnically Diverse Adolescent Sample
Ismatara Reena, Connie S. Ruiz, Amy R. Shows, Kimberly A. Wallet

Abstract
Breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes of adolescents have been measured; yet, few studies have included both male and female participants. Adolescents have exhibited lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and misconceptions about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding rates among African Americans are the lowest in the United States. Breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes were examined in a diverse adolescent sample. The major purpose of the study was to determine effect of a breastfeeding promotion session on beliefs and attitudes toward breastfeeding. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire, either before (control group; n = 105) or after (experimental group; n = 102) a breastfeeding promotion session. The questionnaire addressed beliefs, attitudes, and breastfeeding exposure. Two hundred seven students (84 male, 123 female; 135 African American, 30 Caucasian, 28 Hispanic, 14 other) participated. Beliefs and attitudes scores were higher in the experimental group than the control group (P< 0.01). Also, 74% (n = 75) of the experimental group indicated they would like their infant to be breastfed longer than six months, compared to 47% (n = 49) of the control group (P< 0.001). The breastfeeding promotion session significantly affected breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes among this ethnically diverse group of high school students.

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