Content and Effects of Facebook Breastfeeding Support Groups for WIC Mothers

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Authors

Sanchez, Louisiana M.

Issue Date

2024

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Dissertation

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Breastfeeding Support , Facebook Groups , Low-income Women , Support Groups

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Abstract

Breastfeeding inequity in the United States is a significant public health concern, with low-income women facing disproportionate challenges that contribute to lower rates of breastfeeding, highlighting a critical need for targeted support and intervention strategies. This dissertation explores the transformative potential of Facebook Breastfeeding Support Groups (FBSGs) in supporting low-income women, particularly participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), in their breastfeeding journey. Comprising three papers, the study adopts a multifaceted approach to unpack the dynamics of FBSGs in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The first paper leverages the Uses and Gratifications Theory, analyzing the content of posts made by participants and administrators as well as the interactions among them mediated through the posts. The second and third papers are grounded in the Integrated Behavioral Model. In the second paper, a focus group study was conducted to gather rich, in-depth insights from WIC participants and administrators. The third paper adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing a cross-sectional survey to assess the association between the level of FBSG participation and breastfeeding duration with social support and self-efficacy as mediating variables. The first paper reveals that active participation and posts about breastfeeding-related experiences increase community interaction. The second paper emphasizes FBSG's role in fostering positive breastfeeding attitudes and underscores participants' preference for lactation consultants as group administrators. Lastly, the third paper indicates positive associations between higher levels of FBSG participation and breastfeeding social support and self-efficacy among WIC participants. This dissertation demonstrates the effectiveness of FBSGs in aiding WIC participants and elucidates the mechanisms through which FBSGs promote breastfeeding among low-income women.

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