Young adults’ perceptions of breastfeeding in public: a focus group study
Article Category: Original article
Published Online: Oct 02, 2020
Page range: 217 - 226
Received: Sep 12, 2019
Accepted: Nov 22, 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fon-2020-0023
Keywords
© 2020 Ka-Huen Yip et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Objective
To elucidate the perceptions of young Chinese adults aged 18–25 toward adopting breastfeeding in public in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong), China.
Methods
A descriptive and exploratory study design was adopted. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling. Focus group data were collected from three semi-structured interviews. Responses from 18 participants were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using content analysis.
Results
Four themes emerged that described the young adults’ perceptions and barriers toward breastfeeding practices: (1) adaptability of self and others, (2) cultural deem and practice, (3) convenience and connection, and (4) education and advocacy. Interestingly, all respondents (male and female) are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Their negative perceptions toward breastfeeding initiation and continuation originate from factors that are essentially extraneous to the mother–infant dyads (such as the breadth and intensity of sociopolitical support, the dominant social beliefs and norms, and the inadequacy of breastfeeding education in adolescent years).
Conclusions
In general, the young adult's perception of breastfeeding is dominated by sociopolitical and cultural-related factors. In particular, sexualization of breasts as a deep-rooted belief in the Chinese context negatively affects young adults’ perceptions and limits their breastfeeding practices.