PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session II. - O: Health Sciences

Assessing Exclusive Breastfeeding Intentions Among Health Visitor Students Using the IFI Scale

Name of the presenter

Al Kamsheh Manar

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Health Science

Authors

Manar Al Kamsheh, PhD¹

1: Doctoral School of Health Sciences - health sciences

Text of the abstract

Assessing Exclusive Breastfeeding Intentions Among Health Visitor Students Using the IFI Scale


Abstract:
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is essential for optimal infant health, yet global rates remain below recommended levels. Health professionals play a crucial role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding, and their personal intentions may influence their future guidance to mothers.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the intentions of health visitor students at Semmelweis University toward exclusive breastfeeding using the Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) scale.
Methods: A total of 155 students completed the IFI scale, a five-item tool measuring prenatal intentions to initiate and sustain exclusive breastfeeding, with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the frequency and distribution of responses across all five items.
Results: The majority of participants strongly rejected the idea of formula-only feeding and expressed strong intentions to initiate breastfeeding. Most students indicated a willingness to maintain exclusive breastfeeding through the infant’s first, third, and sixth months, although a gradual decline in intention was observed over time. More than half strongly agreed to continue exclusive breastfeeding up to six months.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that health visitor students hold positive attitudes and strong intentions toward exclusive breastfeeding, aligning with WHO recommendations. These intentions highlight their potential role in effectively promoting breastfeeding in clinical practice.