A Snapshot of Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention of Childless Female College Students in Louisiana: A Basis for Future Education Plans

Abstract

Objectives•Discuss the differences in breastfeeding knowledge and attitude by different demographics among a sample of adult, childless, college-age females.•Discuss the characteristics of the study sample that were found to have the highest breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and intention.•List 3 different suggested breastfeeding knowledge messages that could be used to educate adult, childless, college-age females. MethodsA convenience sample of childless, adult, female students (n = 1039), 18 to 22 years old, were recruited to complete a 58-item web-based survey during the 2019–2020 school year. The questionnaire items assessed breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, future breastfeeding intention, and general demographics. ResultsThe mean breastfeeding knowledge and attitude scores were 13.16 (±2.48) and 64.19 (±7.69) respectively, both indications of relatively high breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. Over 90% of the sample had intentions to breastfeed potential future children. Higher breastfeeding knowledge and more positive attitudes were found among those with higher intentions to breastfeed their babies in the future. ConclusionsThis sample of adult, college-age, childless females has the potential to give birth and breastfeed infants in the future. Similar populations may be responsible for changes in breastfeeding rates in the US. Nutrition education and behavioral health professionals who work with college-age individuals may want to focus pre-conception educational initiatives on increasing and maintaining breastfeeding knowledge and positive breastfeeding attitudes while encouraging breastfeeding initiation in the future. Funding SourcesNot applicable