Factors That Influence Exclusive Breastfeeding In Infants Aged 0-6 Months In The City Of Medan In 2009
Factors that Influence Exclusive Breastfeeding in Infants Aged 0-6 Months in the City of Medan in 2009
Introduction
Exclusive breastfeeding, which involves breastfeeding without additional food and other drinks to babies aged 0-6 months, is a crucial aspect of infant growth and development. Unfortunately, the Indonesian Health Demographic Survey (SDKI) in 2002-2003 revealed that only 8% of babies in Indonesia received exclusive breastfeeding, far below the expected target of 80%. This low number is a significant health concern that requires serious attention, as it can have a lasting impact on the quality of human resources in the future.
Background
This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding in infants aged 0-6 months in the city of Medan in 2009. The study employed a cross-sectional study method, involving 303 randomly selected respondents from the mother's population with babies aged 6-11 months in Medan City. Data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods, including a double logistics regression test.
Methodology
The study was conducted in six sub-districts in Medan City (Medan Labuhan, Medan Area, Medan Polonia, Medan Baru, Medan Maimun, and Medan Perjuangan). The sample size consisted of 303 respondents, who were selected randomly from the mother's population with babies aged 6-11 months in the city of Medan. Data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire, which was designed to gather information on the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding.
Results
The results of the study showed that only 3.6% (11 respondents) out of 303 respondents provided exclusive breastfeeding to their babies. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test revealed a significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and several factors, including:
Labor Helper (p = 0.001)
The role of childbirth assistance in providing information and support for exclusive breastfeeding is very important. This study shows that delivery assistants who provide appropriate information and support tend to encourage mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding.
Promotion of Formula Milk (p = 0.002)
Excessive promotion of formula milk can affect the mother's decision to provide exclusive breastfeeding. This study shows that mothers who are exposed to promotion of formula milk tend to be more easily influenced to provide formula milk to their babies.
Length of Work Time (p = 0.026)
Mothers who work with long working times tend to be difficult to provide exclusive breastfeeding regularly. This is related to the limited access to working mothers to breastfeed their babies directly and limited time to redden breastfeeding.
Knowledge (p = 0.039)
Mother's knowledge of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding greatly influences her decision to provide exclusive breastfeeding. This study shows that mothers who have higher knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding tend to prefer to provide exclusive breastfeeding to their babies.
Discussion
The results of the double logistics regression test show that the most significant variable affecting exclusive breastfeeding is delivery helper (p = 0.004). This confirms that labor helpers have a very important role in encouraging mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the Medan City Health Office take steps to increase the scope of exclusive breastfeeding in the city of Medan, including:
Establishing Strict Policies and Guidelines about the Promotion of Formula Milk and the Use of Formula Milk in Hospitals and Maternity Clinics
This aims to prevent excessive promotion and minimize the use of formula milk in infants.
Conducting Supervision and Evaluation of Childbirth Assistance
To ensure that they provide appropriate information and support regarding exclusive breastfeeding to mothers.
Providing Routine Training and Education to Childbirth Assistance
About the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and how to provide support to mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding.
Increasing Counseling and Socialization Activities to Mothers through Health Workers
At Puskesmas and Posyandu about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the negative impact of giving formula milk to infants.
By increasing the mother's knowledge and awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the important role of childbirth assistance in supporting exclusive breastfeeding, it is expected that exclusive breastfeeding coverage rates in Medan can increase and infant health is guaranteed.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- The Medan City Health Office should establish strict policies and guidelines about the promotion of formula milk and the use of formula milk in hospitals and maternity clinics.
- The Medan City Health Office should conduct supervision and evaluation of childbirth assistance to ensure that they provide appropriate information and support regarding exclusive breastfeeding to mothers.
- The Medan City Health Office should provide routine training and education to childbirth assistance about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and how to provide support to mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding.
- The Medan City Health Office should increase counseling and socialization activities to mothers through health workers at Puskesmas and Posyandu about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the negative impact of giving formula milk to infants.
By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the scope of exclusive breastfeeding in the city of Medan can increase, and infant health can be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exclusive Breastfeeding in Infants Aged 0-6 Months in the City of Medan in 2009
Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding, and why is it important?
A: Exclusive breastfeeding refers to breastfeeding without additional food and other drinks to babies aged 0-6 months. It is a crucial aspect of infant growth and development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections and diseases.
Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding?
A: Exclusive breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for infants, including:
- Improved cognitive development
- Enhanced immune system function
- Reduced risk of respiratory tract infections
- Lower risk of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections
- Improved weight gain and growth
- Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Q: What are the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The study found that several factors influence exclusive breastfeeding, including:
- Labor helper (p = 0.001)
- Promotion of formula milk (p = 0.002)
- Length of work time (p = 0.026)
- Knowledge (p = 0.039)
Q: What is the role of labor helpers in exclusive breastfeeding?
A: Labor helpers play a crucial role in providing information and support for exclusive breastfeeding. They can encourage mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding by providing appropriate information and support.
Q: How can mothers increase their knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding?
A: Mothers can increase their knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding by:
- Attending breastfeeding support groups
- Reading books and online resources about breastfeeding
- Talking to healthcare providers and lactation consultants
- Participating in breastfeeding education programs
Q: What are the recommendations for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Medan?
A: The study recommends that the Medan City Health Office:
- Establish strict policies and guidelines about the promotion of formula milk and the use of formula milk in hospitals and maternity clinics
- Conduct supervision and evaluation of childbirth assistance to ensure they provide appropriate information and support regarding exclusive breastfeeding
- Provide routine training and education to childbirth assistance about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and how to provide support to mothers
- Increase counseling and socialization activities to mothers through health workers at Puskesmas and Posyandu about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the negative impact of giving formula milk to infants
Q: How can healthcare providers support exclusive breastfeeding?
A: Healthcare providers can support exclusive breastfeeding by:
- Providing accurate and unbiased information about breastfeeding
- Encouraging mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months
- Offering support and guidance to mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties
- Referring mothers to lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups
Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy?
A: The study highlights the need for public health policy to support exclusive breastfeeding, including:
- Establishing policies and guidelines for the promotion of formula milk and the use of formula milk in hospitals and maternity clinics
- Providing education and training for healthcare providers about breastfeeding
- Increasing funding for breastfeeding support programs and services
- Encouraging employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces
By addressing these factors and implementing the recommendations outlined in this study, it is possible to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Medan and improve the health and well-being of infants and mothers.