The Relationship Between Economic Status And Knowledge Of Exclusive Breastfeeding In Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District

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The Relationship between Economic Status and Knowledge of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial step in forming quality humans from an early age. It is defined as breastfeeding without companion food to infants from birth to the age of 6 months. The provision of exclusive breast milk (ASI) is a vital aspect of a child's development, and its sustainability is influenced by various factors, including the economic status and knowledge of the mother. This study aims to investigate the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District.

Methodology

The research location is in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District, which uses an analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The research population consists of mothers who live in the village, and samples are taken from 40 mothers who have babies aged 6-12 months through total sampling techniques. The analysis method uses univariate and bivariate techniques, as well as chi square tests to analyze data.

Results

The results of this study showed that exclusive breastfeeding was more commonly carried out by mothers with low economic status compared to mothers from high economic status, with the value of p <0.05. In addition, mothers who have good knowledge about the benefits and ways of exclusive breastfeeding are also more than those who have poor knowledge, with the same significant results (p <0.05). From the hypothesis analysis, the P value was obtained of 0,000, which showed a significant relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village.

Discussion

The results of this study can be interpreted as a reflection of the pattern of understanding and people's habits related to ASI. Low economic status is often accompanied by a better understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. This may be caused by a more intensive health education approach for mothers from low economic circles. The availability of information and community support can be more easily accessible to them, thereby increasing awareness about the health of the baby.

Conversely, mothers from high economic circles may feel more confident to use formula milk products and companion foods, which can reduce the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding. Factors such as work, access to health services, and economic resources can also influence their decisions in breastfeeding.

Good education also contributes to a broader understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding. Mothers who have in-depth knowledge of nutrition and baby's development tend to be more proactive in providing exclusive breastfeeding, compared to mothers who lack information. Therefore, educational programs about maternal and child health are very important to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it is essential for stakeholders, such as the government and health institutions, to develop programs that can increase public knowledge and awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Training, seminars, and information campaigns can be an effective tool to reach the wider community, especially in regions with low economic status, to ensure that babies get optimal nutrition at the beginning of their lives. Thus, the continuity of exclusive breastfeeding can be guaranteed, and the quality of future generations can be improved.

Recommendations

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

  1. Health Education Programs: The government and health institutions should develop and implement health education programs that focus on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. These programs should be accessible to all mothers, regardless of their economic status.
  2. Community Support: Community support is crucial in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Health institutions and community leaders should work together to provide support and resources to mothers who are breastfeeding.
  3. Access to Health Services: Mothers should have easy access to health services, including prenatal care, postnatal care, and breastfeeding support. This can be achieved by increasing the number of health facilities and health workers in the area.
  4. Economic Resources: Mothers from low economic circles may face challenges in accessing economic resources, such as food and formula milk. The government and health institutions should provide support and resources to these mothers to help them access the necessary resources.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Sample Size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Study Design: The study design used in this research is cross-sectional, which may not allow for the establishment of causality between the variables.
  3. Data Collection: The data collection method used in this study may be subject to biases and errors.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  1. Longitudinal Study: A longitudinal study should be conducted to investigate the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding over time.
  2. Large Sample Size: A larger sample size should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings.
  3. Mixed-Methods Approach: A mixed-methods approach should be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District. The results of this study show that mothers with low economic status are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to mothers from high economic status. Good education and access to health services also contribute to a broader understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential for stakeholders to develop programs that can increase public knowledge and awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Economic Status and Knowledge of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District

Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding, and why is it important?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as breastfeeding without companion food to infants from birth to the age of 6 months. It is a crucial step in forming quality humans from an early age, providing optimal nutrition and promoting healthy growth and development.

Q: What is the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: The results of this study show that mothers with low economic status are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to mothers from high economic status. This may be due to a more intensive health education approach for mothers from low economic circles, as well as increased access to information and community support.

Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and babies, including:

  • Optimal nutrition and healthy growth and development
  • Reduced risk of infections and diseases
  • Improved cognitive development and academic performance
  • Increased mother-infant bonding and attachment
  • Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers

Q: What are the challenges faced by mothers from high economic circles in practicing exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Mothers from high economic circles may face challenges in practicing exclusive breastfeeding due to factors such as:

  • Increased access to formula milk and companion foods
  • Greater confidence in using these products
  • Reduced awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
  • Increased pressure to return to work and resume normal activities

Q: What can be done to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District?

A: To promote exclusive breastfeeding in Sukamandi Village, Pagar Merbau District, the following strategies can be implemented:

  • Health education programs that focus on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding
  • Community support and resources for mothers who are breastfeeding
  • Increased access to health services, including prenatal care, postnatal care, and breastfeeding support
  • Economic resources and support for mothers from low economic circles

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for policy and practice, including:

  • The need for health education programs that focus on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding
  • The importance of community support and resources for mothers who are breastfeeding
  • The need for increased access to health services and economic resources for mothers from low economic circles
  • The importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding as a key strategy for improving maternal and child health outcomes

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

  • A relatively small sample size
  • A cross-sectional study design that may not allow for the establishment of causality between the variables
  • A data collection method that may be subject to biases and errors

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on:

  • Conducting a longitudinal study to investigate the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding over time
  • Using a larger sample size to increase the generalizability of the findings
  • Implementing a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between economic status and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.