Factors Associated with Pressure to Eat as a Feeding Practice among Mothers with Infants

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#This study aimed to identify factors-both infant-related and maternal-associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers with infants. @*Methods@#This study used a cross-sectional design and included 163 mothers of infants aged 2~12 months. Of the 180 self-reported questionnaires that were distributed, 163 (91%) were included in the data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among the mothers. @*Results@#Infant’s temperament (β=-.17, p=.035), mother’s body mass index (β=-.16, p=.048), and concern about the infant being underweight (β=.30, p=.001) were associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers. The explanatory power of these variables in the predictive model was 19.2%. @*Conclusion@#Educational programs should be developed for improving mother’s awareness of cues from infants with difficult temperament. In addition, educational interventions regarding the correct evaluation of infant’s weight are needed to relieve mother’s concern about their infant’s being underweight. These interventions might be helpful to reduce the prevalence of pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers with infants.