The Influence Of The Characteristics Of The Wife And Husband's Participation On Exclusive Breastfeeding In Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City In 2008

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 157 views

The Influence of the Characteristics of the Wife and Husband's Participation on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City in 2008

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant care, providing optimal nutrition and protection against various diseases. However, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding in the city of Pematang Siantar shows a worrying number. From 2004 to 2006, exclusive breastfeeding rates decreased from 30.04% to 22.03%. Specifically, Sitalasari District is an area with the lowest level of exclusive breastfeeding, which only reaches 5.38%. This study aims to analyze the influence of the characteristics of the wife and husband's participation on exclusive breastfeeding in the region.

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding is a complex issue, influenced by various factors, including individual characteristics, cultural norms, access to health facilities, and social support. The characteristics of the wife, such as education, work, knowledge, and attitudes, as well as the husband's participation, may play a significant role in determining the mother's decision to provide exclusive breastfeeding. However, the relationship between these factors and exclusive breastfeeding rates is not well understood.

Methodology

This research is a type of explanatory research involving the population of mothers and babies aged between 6 to 12 months. From this population, the sample used amounted to 62 mothers. Data collection was carried out through interviews using a questionnaire, and the data obtained were analyzed using multiple logistics regression tests.

Results

The results showed that the characteristics of the wife, such as education, work, knowledge, and attitudes, as well as the husband's participation do not have a significant influence on exclusive breastfeeding (P> 0.05). These findings reflect the complexity of factors that influence the mother's decision in providing exclusive breastfeeding. Although individual characteristics do not seem to directly affect breastfeeding, other factors, such as culture, access to health facilities, and social support, may play a greater role.

Discussion

The findings of this study have several implications for the Pematang Siantar City Health Office. Firstly, it highlights the need for more intensive coaching programs, including counseling, monitoring, and evaluation, to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding in the field. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of increasing public awareness and understanding of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and how it is correct. This can be achieved through campaigns and education programs targeting the community, especially in the sub-district with a low level of achievement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding in Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City. The characteristics of the wife and husband's participation do not have a significant influence on exclusive breastfeeding, suggesting that other factors, such as culture, access to health facilities, and social support, may play a greater role. Therefore, it is essential to increase campaigns and education programs targeting the community, especially in the sub-district with a low level of achievement, to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding in the field.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase public awareness and understanding: The Pematang Siantar City Health Office should increase campaigns and education programs targeting the community, especially in the sub-district with a low level of achievement, to improve public awareness and understanding of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and how it is correct.
Intensive coaching programs: More intensive coaching programs, including counseling, monitoring, and evaluation, should be implemented to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding in the field.
Community-based initiatives: Community-based initiatives, such as support groups and peer counseling, should be established to provide social support and encouragement to mothers who are breastfeeding.
Access to health facilities: Efforts should be made to improve access to health facilities, including hospitals and health centers, to provide mothers with the necessary support and resources to breastfeed successfully.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding in Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City. Future research should focus on exploring the role of cultural norms, access to health facilities, and social support in determining the mother's decision to provide exclusive breastfeeding. Additionally, research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based initiatives and coaching programs in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on the characteristics of the wife and husband's participation, and did not explore other factors that may influence exclusive breastfeeding. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific context, and the findings may not be applicable to other settings.

Conclusion

Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk, without any additional foods or liquids, for the first six months of life.

Q: Why is exclusive breastfeeding important?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and protection against various diseases for infants. It also helps to promote bonding between the mother and baby, and can have long-term health benefits for the mother.

Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the baby?

A: The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the baby include:

Optimal nutrition and growth
Reduced risk of infections and diseases
Improved cognitive development
Reduced risk of allergies and asthma
Improved dental health

Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the mother?

A: The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the mother include:

Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Reduced risk of postpartum bleeding and infection
Improved weight loss after childbirth
Improved mood and reduced stress
Increased confidence and self-esteem

Q: What are the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: The challenges of exclusive breastfeeding include:

Difficulty in latching and establishing a good milk supply
Pain and discomfort during breastfeeding
Difficulty in expressing milk for storage or feeding to a baby who is not present
Social and cultural pressures to bottle-feed
Lack of support and resources for breastfeeding mothers

Q: How can I overcome the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: To overcome the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding, you can:

Seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group
Practice good breastfeeding technique and positioning
Express milk for storage or feeding to a baby who is not present
Educate family and friends about the benefits of breastfeeding
Join a breastfeeding support group for encouragement and advice

Q: What is the role of the husband in supporting exclusive breastfeeding?

A: The husband can play a significant role in supporting exclusive breastfeeding by:

Providing emotional support and encouragement to the mother
Helping to establish a breastfeeding-friendly environment
Assisting with feeding and caring for the baby
Educating family and friends about the benefits of breastfeeding
Supporting the mother in expressing milk for storage or feeding to a baby who is not present

Q: What is the role of the community in supporting exclusive breastfeeding?

A: The community can play a significant role in supporting exclusive breastfeeding by:

Educating the public about the benefits of breastfeeding
Providing support and resources for breastfeeding mothers
Encouraging and promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments
Supporting breastfeeding mothers in expressing milk for storage or feeding to a baby who is not present
Advocating for policies and programs that support breastfeeding

Q: What can be done to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates in Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City?

A: To improve exclusive breastfeeding rates in Sitalasari District, Pematangsiantar City, the following can be done:

Increase public awareness and education about the benefits of breastfeeding
Provide support and resources for breastfeeding mothers
Encourage and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments
Support breastfeeding mothers in expressing milk for storage or feeding to a baby who is not present
Advocate for policies and programs that support breastfeeding
Establish a breastfeeding support group for encouragement and advice.