Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cross Sectional Study in the Work Area of Bulili Public Health Center in South Palu, Palu City

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has an important role in maintaining the health and survival of babies because when they are exclusively breastfed, they will have a good immune system compared to babies who are not exclusively breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is regulated in Government Regulation Number 33 of 2012 concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding which explains that breast milk is given to babies from birth for 6 months, without being added or replaced with other foods/drinks. This is emphasized in Article 6 of Government Regulation Number 33 of 2012 concerning Exclusive Breastfeeding, that every mother who gives birth is obliged to provide Exclusive Breastfeeding for her baby unless there is a medical indication that makes it impossible for a mother to breastfeed, or the mother is separate from the baby. Data from the Palu City Health Office shows that the lowest amount of exclusive breastfeeding is in the Bulili Community Health Center with a proportion of 37.17%. AIM: The aim of this study is to find out the Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the work area of Bulili Public Health Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research used a quantitative method with cross-sectional study approach, and simple random sampling method. The population in this study was all mothers who had babies aged 0–6 months with a total sample of 103 respondents. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire using a Likert scale for the variables of exclusive breastfeeding and the Guttman scale for the variables of maternal employment status, family support, health workers support, and policy. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis. Chi-square test results summarizes the following: maternal work (p = 0.434), formula milk promotion (p = 0.029), family support (p = 0.019), health workers support (p = 0.572), and policy (p = 0.001). Mothers who have babies aged 0–6 months are obliged to fulfill the children’s rights, which is to provide exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months without providing any other foods/drinks such as water, bananas, honey, or formula milk. CONCLUSION: Mother’s occupation and formula milk promotion are not related to exclusive breastfeeding, while variables such as supports from families, health workers, and policy are related to exclusive breastfeeding.