Table 1 Breastfeeding-related ideational variable measurement

Cognitive

Knowledge

In your opinion, what is the ideal age to begin introducing complementary food in addition to breastmilk?

Spontaneously Reports 6 + months vs other responses

In your opinion, what are the benefits, if any, for mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infant for the first six months of life?

Spontaneously reports any benefits vs no benefits or don’t know

What can a mother do to protect the health of her newborn baby immediately after delivery?

Spontaneously mentions breastfeeding immediately within one-hour vs other responses or don’t know

Beliefs

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients a baby needs during the first 6 months of his/her life

Agreed (strongly or somewhat) versus disagreed (strongly or somewhat) or don’t know

A mother's breastmilk immediately after birth is bad milk

Agreed (strongly or somewhat) versus disagreed (strongly or somewhat) or don’t know

Emotional

Self-efficacy

How confident are you that you could exclusively breastfeed your child for the first six months of life?

Confident (very or somewhat) versus uncertain (very or somewhat) or don’t know

How confident are you that you could start a conversation with your husband/partner about breastfeeding your child?

Confident (very or somewhat) versus uncertain (very or somewhat) or don’t know

Social

Social influence

Besides yourself, who else may influence your decision about whether to breastfeed or not?

Spontaneously reports no one else or spouse or mother-in-law or health provider

Injunctive norms

It is important for mothers to only give their child breastmilk during the first 6 months after birth

Agreed (strongly or somewhat) versus disagreed (strongly or somewhat) or don’t know

Descriptive norms

Most women in my community only give their infants breastmilk, and no water, for the first six months after birth

Agreed (strongly or somewhat) versus disagreed (strongly or somewhat) or don’t know