Scientific Reports (Jan 2025)
Factors related to milk donation based on the theory of planned behavior in pregnant women
Abstract
Abstract The willingness to donate milk is influenced by maternal behavior, and the Theory of Planned Behavior is recognized as a significant predictor of this action. This study aims to identify the factors associated with milk donation among pregnant women based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study utilized stratified and convenience sampling methods on 337 pregnant women attending women’s health and midwifery clinics affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2024. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a milk donation intention questionnaire based on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential tests at a significance level of 0.05, were performed using SPSS-26. The average age of pregnant women was 30.16 years. The willingness of pregnant women to donate milk was relatively adequate. Urban-dwelling pregnant women showed a greater willingness to donate milk compared to their rural counterparts (p = 0.031). Age (r = 0.118), awareness (r = 0.413), attitude (r = 0.562), perceived behavioral control (r = 0.542), and subjective norms (r = 0.521) had positive and significant correlations with the intention to donate milk among participants (p < 0.05). Awareness was significantly correlated with attitude (r = 0.575), perceived behavioral control (r = 0.555), and subjective norms (r = 0.503). According to the results, the Theory of Planned Behavior serves as an appropriate predictor for the intention to donate milk among pregnant women. Therefore, to establish and expand milk banks, policymakers in health should consider utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior in pregnant women. Tailoring milk donation programs based on related factors identified in this study could enhance overall donation rates and support infants in need.
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