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Introduction: Breastfeeding intention is one of the strongest predictors of breastfeeding behavior and practice. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), with its main construct, behavioral intention, is useful to predict actual behavior. While the literature has examined the implications of other theoretical notions such as self-identity, moral norm, descriptive norm, and socio-demographic variables, their roles remain unclear. Similarly, research on ethnic and low-income mothers is even insufficient. Therefore, given the original TPB constructs, our goal was to examine the role of extra theoretical constructs and specific demographic variables, and observe whether the original model would alter. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 325 pregnant mothers in six purposively selected health care facilities of Kaski and Tanahu districts, using structured pro forma, from December 2018 to November 2019. We developed stepwise multivariate logistic regression from the entered and cleaned data, observed the effects on breastfeeding intention (BFI), and checked against multiple parameters. We interpreted the model with adjusted odds ratios and β coefficients, along with the variance explained. Results and discussions: Out of 325 pregnant women, more than half (54.8%) were primiparous, and the mean age was 25.1±5 years. All three theoretical constructs of TPB regressed the BFI significantly, with 10.7%, the breastfeeding attitude dominating (β = 0.734, p =.003), and the other two constructs—perceived breastfeeding control (β = 0.659, p =.011) and breastfeeding subjective norm (β = 0.504, p =.045). Interestingly, breastfeeding self-identity added further variance of 5.2% (β = 0.955, p <.001), followed by income, with 3.2% (β = 0.856, p =.001), both of which also tallied large effect sizes. The model parameters showed consistency and robustness. We discuss the variables of the theoretical and extended model for BFI as well as the arguments for the explained variance. Conclusion: Self-identity is a strong and independent predictor of breastfeeding intention and, therefore, should be considered to better prepare for breastfeeding, especially among ethnic pregnant mothers. The direct and intermediate effects of self-concept and income need further study with more robust designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide updated evidence on the status of female breast cancer and cancer treatment facilities in Asia, with a special focus on Nepal. This review used search phrases that included, breast neoplasm or cancer, health status, epidemiology, breast cancer survivors, cancer care facilities, Asia, Nepal. Researchers examined databases from January 2011 to December 2020 (PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of included papers). Studies of any design and reviews, were included in the study, except for qualitative studies. The study findings are presented in a narrative synthesis format using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. An initial search resulted in 974 papers, and 896 were reviewed after being checked for duplication using the Zotero software. Accordingly, utilizing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 188 publications were selected, and after review of titles and abstracts, an additional 98 papers were removed for different reasons. Finally, the study looked at 90 female breast cancer papers. Results showed that the number of cases of breast cancer is growing all around the world, including in Asia and Nepal. Age, early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, positive family history, excessive fat consumption, alcohol, and smoking are all frequent risk factors for breast cancer found in Asian women. Breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography screening are common methods for detecting breast carcinoma. Chemotherapy, radiation, and modified mastectomy are commonly used options for treatment. The number of breast cancer survivors is growing throughout the world, indicating better clinical care. There is a paucity of survival data in many Asian countries, including Nepal. There is also a scarcity of health workforce specialized in cancer care and treatment, as well as a few health facilities that are available to treat cancer cases in many Asian countries, including Nepal., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in relation to this work., (© 2022 Dhakal et al.)