EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING BEHAVIOR

Abstract

According to WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is the best method for feeding infants from birth to 6 months of age without additional food. This practice is influenced by various factors, including maternal age, occupation, maternal knowledge, family support, health worker support, and the Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) process. This study aims to analyze the influence of these factors on exclusive breastfeeding in infants. Objective Methods: The method used is a quantitative analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach, conducted in the Lamongan health center area. The sample consisted of breastfeeding mothers who had infants aged 6-12 months with a total sampling technique. The variables of this study include independent variables: maternal age, occupation, knowledge, family support, health worker support, and the IMD process, and the dependent variable: exclusive breastfeeding. The instrument used was a questionnaire, with data analysis using the chi-square test and multivariate test using logistic regression. Results: The results of the study involved 71 samples of breastfeeding mothers; the majority of respondents (78.9%) who provided exclusive breastfeeding were 25-35 years old, had good knowledge, and were unemployed. All respondents received support from family and health workers, and most (85.9%) experienced the IMD process. The results of the bivariate test showed no relationship between age (p = 0.163), occupation (p = 0.592), and knowledge (p = 0.452) with exclusive breastfeeding, but there was a relationship between the IMD process (p = 0.010) and exclusive breastfeeding. The multivariate test showed that the most influential factor on exclusive breastfeeding was the IMD factor. Conclusion: In conclusion, although there was no relationship between age, occupation, and maternal knowledge with exclusive breastfeeding, the IMD process was significantly related, becoming the dominant factor influencing exclusive breastfeeding in infants.