Based on the statistical result presented in Chapter 4, using a one-way ANOVA on physical issues, mental

issues, and knowledge issues Findings show that the influence of parents on breastfeeding among
teenage mothers is highly influenced by their parents, as indicated by the ethnicity of the respondents.

Findings further show that the level of influence of parents on breastfeeding in terms of physical issues
has an average weighted mean of 3.8, indicated that different ethnic groups are highly implied with no
significance to other ethnic groups among the 54 respondents with a p-value of 0.535. The result also
show a similar finding to Brown, Amy (2018), this study which shows that the Breastfeeding in Religious
texts are generally very positive about breastfeeding, seeing it as something to be protected and
encouraged. This may in part explain the higher levels of breastfeeding among communities that have
high adherence to Islam and Hindu beliefs and practices. This means that Breastfeeding attitudes and
norms are strongly tied to ethnicity. In the women from Black American backgrounds breastfeed for
significantly shorter durations, affected by historical norms around slavery, poorer healthcare and
poverty.

However, the findings of mental issues show that among ethnic groups, an average weighted mean of
3.8 indicates that different ethnic groups are highly influenced by their parents to breastfeed. Findings
show that a p-value of 0.028 implies that ethnicity has a significant difference on the level of influence of
parents between the Bisaya and Samal groups.The result also show a similar finding to the study of
Family and Child Education (2018), which shows that the Breastfeeding is a key health determinant for
native families. Native families confront significant health concerns, including the highest rates of obesity
and diabetes, which can lead to other health issues for mother and child. Breastfeeding is the finest
source of nutrients for an infant.

Furthermore, in terms of the knowledge issues, it shows that among ethnic groups, an average of 3.8 (SD
= 0.179) indicates that different ethnic groups are highly influenced by their parents to breastfeed, and a
p-value of 0.963 shows no significant relationship between knowledge. Breastfeeding initiation and
duration appeared to be most strongly influenced by maternal citizenship and ethnicity. In Islam, the
Koran states that mothers should breastfeed for two years. Breast milk is seen as God’s gift for the baby,
so the mother has an obligation to God to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is seen as passing the mothers
wealth onto the baby. Most Muslim women believe they will be punished if they do not breastfeed and
fulfil this obligation. Although the expected benefit of improved newborn health was a common reason
for starting breastfeeding, infant reactions influenced the persistence of nursing in adolescent mothers.
However, this raises the belief that the recent increase in breastfeeding rates is due to greater
immigration into Ireland rather than the success of policy and research efforts from the study of Ladewig
EL, Hayes C, Browne J, et al (2013).