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Attitudes towards breastfeeding among college students at Mississippi State University

Breastfeeding rates in America are lower than other high-income countries, with Mississippi having one of the lowest rates. A survey using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) was distributed twice to Mississippi State University students to understand their breastfeeding attitudes. Attitudes were determined by calculating a composite score and conducting statistical tests for significance. Knowledge between health and non-health related majors were explored by using five statements, and attitudes towards the statement “Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies” were compared across demographics. Of 642 respondents, the composite score was 57.3 out of 85, and all demographics had a neutral score (between 49-69). All demographics agreed that “Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies” and health (46.1%) and non-health related majors (53%) had similar knowledge towards breastfeeding. College students may become parents, so understanding their attitudes can provide insight into their feeding methods and educational needs.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-6722
Date09 December 2022
CreatorsWilliford, Kristin F
PublisherScholars Junction
Source SetsMississippi State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceTheses and Dissertations

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