Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Breastfeeding in African-American Women

The purpose of this study was to apply social cognitive theory (SCT) to predict breastfeeding initiation and duration in African-American women in a community sample. A total of 238 African-American women completed a 50-item valid and reliable questionnaire assessing their knowledge, expectations, self-efficacy, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers and self-control in initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Regression results indicated that self-efficacy for initiation and self-efficacy in overcoming barriers for initiation were significant predictors for initiation of breastfeeding in African-American women. Logistic regression revealed that self-efficacy to breast feed for more than six months and self-control for duration were significant predictors.