EXAMINING SOCIOCULTURAL INFLUENCES ON BREASTFEEDING ATTITUDES AMONG SYRIAN AND HUNGARIAN FEMALE STUDENTS
Manar Al Kamsheh
Health Sciences
Dr. Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
SE- Egészségtudományi Kar, 138-as terem
2026-05-05 14:00:00
Interdisciplinary applied health sciences
Dr. Vingender István
Dr. Feith Helga
Karamánné Dr. Pakai Annamária
Dr. Bóné Veronika
Dr. Réthy Lajos Attila
Dr. Kormosné Bugyi Zsuzsanna
Dr. Lugasi Andrea
This dissertation, “Examining Sociocultural Influences on Breastfeeding Attitudes Among Syrian and Hungarian Female Students,” explores how cultural and social environments influence attitudes toward breastfeeding among young women before motherhood. Attitudes formed during early adulthood can significantly shape future infant feeding decisions, making university students an important group to study the determinants of breastfeeding behaviour.
The study employed a cross-sectional comparative design including 620 female university students (317 from Syria and 303 from Hungary). Two validated instruments were used: the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) to measure attitudes and knowledge about infant feeding, and the Breastfeeding Behaviour Questionnaire (BBQ) to assess sociocultural perceptions and beliefs about breastfeeding.
Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and regression modelling. Factor analysis identified several underlying dimensions influencing breastfeeding attitudes, while cluster analysis grouped respondents into distinct attitude profiles reflecting varying levels of breastfeeding support.
The results showed that nationality was a key determinant of breastfeeding attitudes. Syrian students generally demonstrated stronger support for breastfeeding, reflecting cultural norms that traditionally encourage breastfeeding. In contrast, Hungarian students more frequently displayed pragmatic attitudes that were relatively more accepting of formula feeding. In addition, certain demographic characteristics, particularly age, place of residence, and parental education level, were associated with differences in attitudes and cluster membership.
Overall, the findings indicate that breastfeeding attitudes are shaped not only by individual knowledge but also by broader sociocultural contexts. The study contributes to the literature by providing a cross-cultural comparison of Syrian and Hungarian students and highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive strategies for breastfeeding promotion.
