Assessing Predictive Power of Psychosocial Factors on Breastfeeding Behavior of Mothers Attending Postnatal Clinics in Western Kenya

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed at determining predictive power of psychosocial factors influencing breastfeeding behavior of breastfeeding mothers. The study was conducted from April to August 2010 in Kakamega Central District within 4 postnatal clinics that were purposively sampled. Proportionate stratified technique was employed to obtain 230 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data where exploratory factor analysis tested dimensionality of questions, whereas skewness and kurtosis assessed normality of data. Structural equation modeling determined predictive power of latent variables. The model fitted data acceptably well, χ2 = 156, P < .001, Tucker–Lewis index = .93, comparative fit index = .95, root mean square error of approximation = .090, Hoelter’s critical N (0.01 = 230), with regard to breastfeeding behavior. Regression weights showed predictive power for maternal attitude (β = .38, P < .01), subjective norm (β = .25, P < .05), perceived behavioral control (β = .25, P < .05), and intention (β = .95, P < .001). This study provides information on a better approach for promoting optimal breastfeeding that will increase initiation, exclusivity, and breastfeeding continuation rates.