# Nurturing the Will: Unraveling Associative Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Intentions Among Primigravida in Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors influencing the intention of first-time pregnant women in Saudi Arabia to exclusively breastfeed their babies.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into modifiable predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention among primigravida women in Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 58.3% of primigravida women expressed high intentions toward exclusive breastfeeding.
- Age, education, nationality, and planned pregnancy were significant predictors of breastfeeding intention.
- Adequate breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitude independently predicted high breastfeeding intention.

## Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as beneficial for a baby’s health and development. However, Saudi Arabia remains one of the few countries where this practice is still uncommon. This study explores the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding intention among primigravida women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design and systematic random sampling technique were utilized to collect data from a total of 436 primigravida women. Results: More than half of the participants (58.3%) expressed high intentions toward exclusive breastfeeding. The most significant modifiable predictors of exclusive breastfeeding intention among these women were age, education, nationality, and planned pregnancy. Additionally, adequate knowledge of breastfeeding (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.402, Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.226–0.717) and a positive attitude toward breastfeeding (AOR: 0.396, CI: 0.223–0.705) emerged as independent predictors of high breastfeeding intention. Conclusions: The study revealed that while more than half of the primigravida women demonstrated a high intention to practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), this level of intention is still considered inadequate for achieving optimal breastfeeding practices. Key factors influencing their breastfeeding attitudes included maternal age, education level, ethnicity, pregnancy planning, and knowledge about breastfeeding.