Moms and Media: Exploring the Effects of Online Communication on Infant Feeding Practices

Health Commun. 2017 Sep;32(9):1059-1065. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2016.1196638. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Abstract

Using a survey of mothers with young children (N = 455), this study applies Fishbein and Ajzen's reasoned action approach (RAA) to examine the relationship between online communication and infant feeding practices. Contrary to expectations, attitudes, perceived normative pressure, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) did not fully mediate the relationship between time spent online and behavioral intentions. Our findings indicate a significant, direct, negative association between time spent online and breastfeeding intentions In this article, theoretical and practical implications for health communication are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding / psychology
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data*
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Internet*
  • Models, Psychological
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires