Abstract
Objectives
To identify the major psychosocial determinants of the intention of nurses and dietitians to recommend breastfeeding to new mothers for six months as well as the salient beliefs underlying this intention.
Method
Following an open-ended questionnaire that sought to elicit their most significant beliefs, a standardized questionnaire based on a modified model of Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, was sent to New Brunswick nurses and dietitians who graduated between January 1992 and December 1996. Multiple regression analysis determined which variables contributed the most to the prediction of intention.
Results
The main determinants of intention were perceived behavioural control and perceived professional norm. They explained 69% of the variance in intention. All salient beliefs underlying the perceived behavioural control were significantly associated with intention.
Conclusion
To help nurses and dietitians to support and promote breastfeeding more effectively, programs should focus on changing perceived and true barriers to recommending breastfeeding, as well as the related perceived professional norm.
Résumé
Objectifs
Déceler les principaux déterminants psychosociaux de l’intention des infirmières et des diététistes de recommander aux nouvelles mères d’allaiter pendant six mois, de même que les croyances qui sous-tendent cette intention.
Méthode
Après un premier questionnaire ouvert pour déceler les principales croyances, un questionnaire standardisé, basé sur un modèle modifié de la théorie du comportement planifié de Ajzen, fut expédié aux infirmières et diététistes du Nouveau-Brunswick ayant obtenu leur diplôme entre 1992 et 1996. Les analyses de régression multiple ont déterminé quelles variables contribuaient le plus à la prédiction de l’intention.
Résultats
La perception du contrôle et la norme professionnelle perçue se sont révélées être les principaux déterminants de l’intention. Ensemble, elles expliquaient 69 % de sa variance. Toutes les croyances sous-jacentes à la perception du contrôle étaient significativement reliées à l’intention.
Conclusion
Pour aider les infirmières et diététistes à mieux soutenir et promouvoir l’allaitement, les programmes devraient viser à modifier leur perception des barrières, ou les barrières réelles, à recommander l’allaitement, de même que la norme professionnelle perçue.
Footnotes
(This research was conducted while completing a Master of Science in Community Nutrition at Université Laval)
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