Exclusive Breastfeeding Research Articles

Husband Support and Coping Stress on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Primipara

Breastfeeding is the best strategy to ensure optimal growth and development for infants. Social support, fatigue, and stress are the main factors that hinder breastfeeding for primiparous mothers. This cross-sectional study analyzes husband support and coping stress of exclusive breastfeeding for primiparous mothers with a quantitative approach. The samples were 70 respondents taken with a total sampling technique. The research instruments were the husband support questionnaire and coping strategies inventory. The researchers analyzed the data with chi-square and multiple logistic regression. The results found 48 (68.5%) mothers with excellent husband support and exclusive breastfeeding. Meanwhile, mothers with excellent husband support but without exclusive breastfeeding were 18 respondents (25.71%). The results of statistical tests with a significance level of 5% obtained a sig value (p-value) of husband support (p=0.002) and coping stress p=0.000. The result indicates a correlation between husband support and coping stress on exclusive breastfeeding with OR value = (3.667). On the other hand, mothers with excellent husband support could provide exclusive breastfeeding 4 times higher than those with poor husband support. Husband support and coping stress affect exclusive breastfeeding of primiparous mothers in the employed area of Puskesmas Dinoyo Malang City. Coping stress is the dominant factor influencing exclusive breastfeeding in primiparous mothers in the employing area of Puskesmas Dinoyo Malang City. The research recommends public health centers improve programs that support maternal care in helping to improve skills in managing stress, on exclusive breastfeeding both at the public health center, the integrated public health service, and the auxiliary health center.

EFEKTIVITAS MODEL EDUKASI DAN DUKUNGAN MENYUSUI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY DAN PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF: SCOPING REVIEW

WHO and UNICEF data state that the level of exclusive breastfeeding in the world is below the target of 40%. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was identified as one of the strongest modifiable predictors. This scoping review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of breastfeeding education models to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. The design of this article is a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Literature Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Article searches used electronic databases from Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Sage. The keywords in the article search are "Exclusive Breastfeeding", "Breastfeeding Education", and "Self-Efficacy". The inclusion criteria in this literature review were studies that have samples of pregnant women ≥ 30 weeks, normal pregnancies without complications. Criteria for babies to be born at term and have normal weight. The results of the scoping review show that the most effective breastfeeding education and support models are prenatal counselling, integrated breastfeeding education program and breastfeeding education with grandmothers' attention. The main characteristic is education carried out from antenatal to breastfeeding. Education is provided involving family members. Education is carried out in a multicomponent manner through breastfeeding training, home visits and post-natal telephone follow-up. The theoretical framework uses self-efficacy theory. The minimum educational frequency consists of 2-4 sessions with a minimum length of 40 minutes. It is hoped that the results of this review will serve as a guide for designing an effective exclusive breastfeeding education model by applying the five main characteristics to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding.

FAKTOR INTERNAL DAN PERSEPSI IBU TENTANG PERAN PETUGAS KESEHATAN TERHADAP PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF

During the first 6 month period, newborns who are exclusively breastfed consume solely breast milk and abstain from any other form of nourishment, such as food or liquids, including water. The government Indonesia has pledged to attain a target proportion of exclusive breastfeeding, with a goal of reaching up to 80%. The X Community Health Centre in Malang City achieved a relatively low level of exclusive breastfeeding coverage in 2022, with only 51.18%. This falls far short of the established target. Internal variables and the mother's opinion of the involvement of health personnel are influential in determining exclusive breastfeeding. The aims of this research were to analyses the influence of internal factors and maternal perspectives on the role of healthcare providers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. This cross-sectional study was conducted in January-March 2024 at the X Health Centre Working Area in Malang City. The study utilized observational analytics. The study's sample consisted of one hundred moms with children older than six months. Chi-square test yields identify there wasn't significant association between employment also having multiple children (p-value>0.05). However, various factors related to exclusive breastfeeding, like as age, education, family support, and mother's intellectual and perception about the role of health workers, were found to be significantly associated (p-value <0.05). The multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression revealed that family support has a significant impact on exclusive breastfeeding. The p-value of 0.006 and an odds ratio of 26,595 indicate that family support increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding by 26-fold.

Factors of Failure to Exclusively Breastfeed In the BLUD UPTD Working Area of the Kandai Public Health Center of Kendari City

Background: Mother's milk (ASI) is a baby's need which is very necessary for the baby's growth and development. However, if exclusive breastfeeding is not provided, it can cause problems with the baby's growth and development Methods: This type of research is quantitative research using a cross-sectional study design, where the type of research emphasizes measuring/observing the independent and dependent variables only once at a time. This research involved 90 respondents. Results: In this study, the results showed that there was no relationship between working mothers and failure to provide exclusive breastfeeding in the Kandai Community Health Center working area with a Fisher's Exact Test value = 0.450 > 0.05. There is a relationship between social support and failure to provide exclusive breastfeeding in the Kandai Health Center working area with a calculated X2 value > X2 table. and there is a relationship between the promotion of formula milk and failure to provide exclusive breastfeeding in the Kandai public Health Center working area, the value of X2 calculated > X2 table. Conclusions: Promotion of formula milk, social support and no relationship between working mothers and the failure of exclusive breastfeeding in the Kandai Health Center working area. So it is necessary to pay attention to mothers who have babies <6 months to be able to provide exclusive milk to maintain the baby's growth and development well.

Factors associated with stunting incidents in toddler in the working area of north wakorumba health center, North Buton District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 2023

Background: The problem of children's nutritional health which is currently the government's main priority to be addressed immediately is child growth and development. One of the problems with children's growth and development that is often encountered is stunting. Indonesia is the fifth country with the highest prevalence of stunting in the world with a figure reaching 37%. Meanwhile, in the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia is ranked second with the highest prevalence of stunting compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. results of the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Study the prevalence of stunting under five (TB/U) based on districts/cities in Southeast Sulawesi Province, namely Central Buton Regency, was ranked first (41.6%) Objective: This study aims to determine factors related to the incidence of stunting among toddlers in the working area of the North Wakorumba Community Health Center, North Buton Regency in 2023. Method: The type of research used in this research is observational analytics with a case controll study approach. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. The total sample was 150 respondents. The analysis used is the chi-square test. Results: This research shows that there is a relationship between maternal knowledge (p-value = 0.000), family income (p-value = 0.048), exclusive breastfeeding (p-value = 0.001), maternal parenting style (p-value = 0.008) and not There is a relationship between history of infectious diseases (p-value = 0.158) with the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the North Wakorumba Health Center Working Area, North Buton Regency. Conclusion: There is a relationship between maternal knowledge, family income, exclusive breastfeeding and maternal parenting patterns on the incidence of stunting in toddlers and there is no relationship between history of infectious disease and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the working area of North Wakorumba Community Health Center, North Buton Regency in 2024. So that the Community Health Center It is necessary to increase the intensity of outreach to increase community knowledge and enthusiasm in managing family nutrition.

Partner and Household Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Practice: A Systematic Review

The role of partner and family in breastfeeding practice is still rare. Previous studies were more likely to discuss the impact of infant and mother factors. This study aimed to examine the role of partner and family factors associated with breastfeeding factors. This systematic review includes 18 journal articles from four databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Scholar Google. The selection of journal articles was described in the PRISMA diagram. The findings revealed that the factors from partners including education, support, knowledge about breastmilk, age, and occupation, and factors from family and household including food security, family support, family intention, and type of family play a role in influencing the breastfeeding practice. Since this study only focused on partner and household factors, the findings emphasize the significant role of partner and family in improving the breastfeeding practice. The government and related stakeholders can take an important role in contributing to increasing the participation of partners or husbands in breastfeeding practices such give parental leave to support the wife during exclusive breastfeeding.

THE IMPACT OF ANXIETY ON THE SUCCESS OF EXCLUSIVE ASI, CHILDREN'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Pregnant women experience many psychological changes that can result in prenatal stress. This condition can cause further anxiety and tension, thus forming a feedback cycle that can increase overall emotional intensity. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of anxiety during pregnancy on the success of exclusive breastfeeding, child growth and development . The population in this study were all children aged 20-24 months with a total of 100 children in the Taman Sari District, Tasikmalaya City . The research results showed that 50 people (50%) had maternal anxiety during pregnancy. The results of the Chi square analysis test on maternal anxiety during pregnancy on the success of exclusive breastfeeding obtained a P value of 0.016. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy on child growth P value 0.008. On maternal anxiety during pregnancy towards child development P value 0.022 . So it can be concluded that there is an influence of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on exclusive breastfeeding, child growth and child development

Infant and Young Child Feeding practices and risk factors of SAM among beneficiaries of Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre – a cohort study

Introduction: Mission Balam Sukham's Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) combats malnutrition through prevention, treatment, and community engagement, ensuring children receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth. Objective: To document IYCF practices and risk factors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among NRC beneficiaries Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted comprising of 63 children aged 6 months to 5 years having SAM alongwith complications admitted at NRC of South Gujarat over the duration of 10 months. Observations: 90.5% poverty, 57.1% migrants, 7.9% single parent. 69.8% initiated breastmilk within 1hr, 15.9% weren’t fed with colostrum, 6.3% were given pre-lacteals. 93.7% were exclusively breastfed, 6.3% initiated breastmilk at the time of 6 months. 16%, 60% and 9.8% met the criteria of MDD, MMF and MAD respectively. Boys show significant association on admission and discharge both (t = 2.43, p= 0.026 on admission and t= 2.66, p= 0.015 on discharge). In 13-24 months, MDD group (t = 2.34, p=0.02), children not suffering from anaemia shows significant weight (t=-2.540, p=0.18). Conclusion & Recommendations: Children's weight improvement is linked to better IYCF practices, emphasizing its importance of caregiver attention and education, highlighting need to address cultural barriers and promote practices like exclusive breastfeeding and continuous breastfeeding, focusing on empowering mothers and caretakers.

BREASTFEEDING BARRIERS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING FAILURE

Background: Breast milk is the best nutrition for children, but many children in Indonesia do not receive exclusive breastfeeding. According to SSGI data, only 48.58% of babies in Bogor district are exclusively breastfed. This is due to various obstacles in the breastfeeding process, which can stem from both maternal and infant factors. If this situation continues, the child's nutritional needs may not be adequately met. Objective: To determine the most dominant factor in exclusive breastfeeding failure. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 182 individuals in Bogor Regency. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Result: There was no significant association between exclusive breastfeeding failure and mothers having difficulty managing time between work and breastfeeding, difficulties in positioning the baby, or experiencing nipple blisters (p≤0.05). Additionally, no significant associations were found between exclusive breastfeeding failure and infants remaining fussy even after breastfeeding, mothers experiencing depression during initial breastfeeding, feeling embarrassed while breastfeeding, infants having difficulty breastfeeding, or mothers experiencing swollen breasts (p>0.05). Conclusion: Infants who remained fussy despite breastfeeding were found to be the most dominant factor contributing to exclusive breastfeeding failure, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.308.

Implementasi Dukungan Ambulasi pada Ny.E Post Sectio Caesarea dengan Intoleransi Aktivitas di Ruang Gincu 4 RSUD Indramayu

Background: In clients post Sectio Caesaria (SC), many problems arise, including anxiety. The reason for anxiety in mothers post Sectio Caesaria (SC) is because they don't know how to care for post partum including post Sectio Caesaria (SC) wound care, breast care, exclusive breastfeeding, giving nutrition to babies, caring for newborns and anxiety because they are afraid of the stitches coming out. , afraid of infection in the wound. From this problem, activity intolerance nursing problems will arise where the client is unable to carry out daily activities independently and abnormal vital signs are found during or after activities. Early mobilization exercises are useful for improving blood circulation, preventing thromboembolism, surgical muscle stiffness, stimulates gastrointestinal function and reduces pain. The aim is to explore nursing care for clients with acute pain problems in post SC clients. The aim is to explore nursing care for clients with acute pain problems in post SC clients. The data collection method used in this case study is descriptive, namely interviews, observation and physical examination, documentation studies and collecting results from diagnostic examinations. The results of this nursing care show that after implementing ambulation support for 3 days, the patient began to improve from being previously still lying in bed to now being able to move and be active again, the ease of carrying out daily activities increased. Walking distance increases, lower body strength increases, dyspnea during activity decreases, dyspnea after activity decreases, oxygen saturation improves, respiratory frequency improves. It was concluded that from the results of this case study over 3 visits, the problem could be resolved by teaching clients to carry out physical mobilization techniques aimed at increasing their ability to do activities. Advice for clients is that clients can maintain their physical condition.

Addressing the Twin Threats: Combating Child Stunting and Poverty Among Indonesian Farmworker Families

This study identifies the underlying factors contributing to child stunting and poverty among Indonesian farmworker households. We use logistic regression and the Indonesian Family Life Survey to measure this study. The findings indicate that social and demographic factors significantly influence poverty among farming families. Families with more farming businesses and land ownership are less likely to be poor. However, there is no significant link between agricultural productivity and child stunting. Positive factors for child nutrition include exclusive breastfeeding for at least two years and a father's higher education level. In contrast, older maternal age and larger household size increase the likelihood of child stunting. The study highlights the importance of social and demographic factors in addressing poverty and child health in agricultural settings. Parental education and breastfeeding practices play crucial roles in preventing stunting. To address these issues, policies should focus on educating parents about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition. Supporting farming families by increasing agricultural productivity and land ownership is essential. Developing targeted nutritional programs for children in larger households and those with older mothers can help prevent stunting.

Hubungan Penerapan Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) Keluarga terhadap Kejadian Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Akut (ISPA) pada Balita di Puskesmas Mandai Kabupaten Maros

This study aims to explore the relationship between the implementation of clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) in the family with the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in toddlers at Puskesmas Mandai, Maros Regency. Using a quantitative approach with a correlation analytic method, this study involved 58 toddlers aged 0-5 years who were diagnosed with ARI. The results showed that 58.6% of respondents were male, with the largest age group 0-12 months (25.9%). 74.1% of the toddlers were not exclusively breastfed, and 80.9% were underweight. In addition, 75.7% of respondents did not have the habit of washing hands with soap, and 94.8% lived in an environment with active smokers. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between the PHBS variables and the incidence of ARI, with P values less than 0.05 for all variables. These results suggest that the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding, routine weighing of toddlers, hand washing with soap, and not smoking in the house play an important role in reducing the incidence of ARI. Therefore, health centers are advised to increase the socialization of PHBS and education about the dangers of smoking, as well as encourage the community to apply clean living behavior in everyday life. This study is expected to be the basis for improving health programs at Puskesmas Mandai and increasing public awareness about the importance of PHBS in preventing ARI.

Modeling the Stunting Prevalence Rate in Indonesia Using Multi-Predictor Truncated Spline Nonparametric Regression

Introduction/Main Objectives: Stunting is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Background Problems: Based on data from the National Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) in 2022, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia was 21.6%, which is still above the WHO standard of below 20%. Novelty: This study was conducted with the aim of analysing the factors that influence the stunting prevalence rate in Indonesia using multi-predictor truncated spline nonparametric regression. Research Methods: The research data is secondary data taken from Health Statistics 2022 with response variables in the form of stunting prevalence. Finding Result: Based on the analysis, the best model to model the stunting prevalence rate is a multi-predictor truncated spline with three knots. In addition, it was found that four predictor variables which are the percentage of infants under 6 months old receiving exclusive breastfeeding, the average age of a mother's first pregnancy, the percentage of married women aged 15-49 using contraception, and the percentage of mothers who gave birth to a live child in the past two years and initiated early breastfeeding had a significant effect simultaneously and partially on the stunting prevalence rate in Indonesia.

Stunting Prevalence Modeling Using Nonparametric Regression of Quadratic Splines

The nonparametric regression approach is used when the shape of the regression curve between the response variable and the predictor variable is assumed to be of unknown shape. The advantages of nonparametric regression have high flexibility. A nonparametric regression approach that is often used is truncated spline which has an excellent ability to handle data whose behavior changes at certain sub-sub intervals. The purpose of this study is to obtain the best model of multivariable nonparametric regression with linear and quadratic truncated spline approaches using the Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) and Unbiased Risk (UBR) methods and to find out the factors that influence the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia in 2021. The data used were the prevalence of stunting as a response variable and the predictor variable used was the percentage of infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, the percentage of households that have proper sanitation, the percentage of toddlers who get Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD), the percentage of poor people, and the percentage of pregnant women at risk of SEZ. The results showed that the best quadratic truncated spline nonparametric regression model in modeling stunting prevalence was quadraic truncated spline using the GCV method with three knot points. This model has a minimum GCV value of 7.29 with an MSE value of 1.82 and a R2 value of 94.07%.

Factors Affecting The Success of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Recovered From Covid-19

Factors Affecting The Success of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Recovered From Covid-19

Trends and practices of weaning in infants across India: A comprehensive review.

Weaning is a critical phase in an infant's life, during which there is a transition from exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding to consuming solid foods. Weaning is a critical step in determining a child's nutritional status, growth, and general health. India is a multiethnic and culturally diverse nation and has a variety of weaning practices that are affected by local customs, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic concerns. Malnutrition brought on by inadequate weaning methods used in infancy and early childhood may have an impact on cognitive, motor and social, development and productivity of the child, more importantly manifesting in later ages. Weaning customs in India have a long history of being ingrained in both family and cultural traditions. The variety of Indian cuisine is reflected in the meals that are offered to the infant during weaning. Homemade food commonly prepared like mashed fruits and vegetables, lentil soups, and rice porridge are the most popular. However, the inclination by parents toward professionally produced infant foods and formulas has increased because of urbanization and globalization; there have been observable changes in weaning practices over the past few decades because of changing lifestyles and easier access. These foods are frequently thought of as more convenient but may not be as nutrient-dense as homemade alternatives. Not following the medically recommended mandate of an exclusive diet of mother's breast milk to the infant, many parents often begin introducing complementary foods as early as four months. Still most concerningly also the timing of weaning commencement varies significantly across areas and communities. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the current trends and practices of weaning in infants across India, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive and informed strategies to ensure the well-being of the nation's youngest population.

Standardizing Patient and Provider Education to Address Breastfeeding Inequity

Introduction: Breastfeeding provides many infant, maternal and societal benefits. Breastfeeding reduces maternal and infant risks for a number of diseases, encourages maternal-infant bonding, is more environmentally friendly and lowers healthcare costs. Based on the most recent Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program data, the obstetrical patient population served by the Department of Ob/Gyn at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU-SM) was significantly lacking in breastfeeding initiation rates (~16% in 2020) when compared to the Healthy People 2020 goal for ever breastfed infants of 81.9%. We aimed to assess areas of patient care that could be improved upon when counseling our patients about breastfeeding. Purpose: Our primary goal was to evaluate current breastfeeding initiation rates and whether these improved after implementation of the standardized breastfeeding education materials that were to be provided to both healthcare professionals and patients. Methods: In partnership with the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI), all patients who received prenatal care at SIU-SM, Department of Ob/Gyn were offered standardized brochures that supplemented our prenatal counseling regarding breastfeeding. Nurses, residents, and other healthcare providers were also provided information on counseling patients. Breastfeeding rates were assessed in our prenatal population prior to and after implementing standardized breastfeeding educational materials (IRB# 22-133) and compared with Chi-square tests. Results: Patient demographics were as follows: 55.9% White, 31.8% Black/African American; 95.7% non-Hispanic; 93.4% utilized Medicaid services for insurance; the mean age was 26.8 ± 6.1 years of age. Baseline breastfeeding initiation rates of ever breastfed infants were significantly higher in the interventional group compared to the control group (75% vs.60%; p=0.002). Breastfeeding rates at the first postpartum visit were also significantly increased after the intervention (65% vs. 43%; p=0.008). A significant increase in the percentage of breast pumps provided in the prenatal clinic was also noted (28.4% vs. 0%; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding rates in our patient population were significantly lower than the Healthy People’s 2020 goal. Raising awareness through this initiative and improving our educational tools via the partnership with IPHI improved breastfeeding initiation rates. As obstetrical providers, we are optimistic about this data, but acknowledge additional interventions may be necessary to improve health equity across our disadvantaged patient population. Future directions include looking at data for ever breastfed infants vs. continuation of breastfeeding through the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. We would also like to explore how partner involvement and occupation type might impact breastfeeding initiation rates.

PROVISION OF LACTATION CLINIC IN COMPANIES IN SEMARANG CITY: A REVIEW OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Background: As of 2022, Semarang City has 4,083 companies. However, according to the Labor Office of Semarang City, only 109 out of 529 companies provide lactation clinics. In addition, based on previous research in Pedurungan, Semarang City, most of the women (83,3%) who work do not practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), one reason being the lack of lactation clinics in companies. Aims: This study examines the implementation of lactation clinic policies in companies in Semarang City. Methods: This study used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The research variables included effectiveness, consistency, relevance, organizational structure, resources, sociocultural environment, economic environment, organizational culture, geographic environment, knowledge and skills, communication, and political support. Informants were selected based on purposive criteria, involving eight key informants and 18 supporting informants from eight companies in Semarang City. Results: Lactation clinic policies were ineffective because companies were unaware of their contents and perceived them as recommendations only. On the contrary, working mothers who breastfed recognized the benefits of the policies and considered them relevant. Three out of eight companies provided lactation clinics. The people in charge had yet to be appointed due to the different capacities of the companies. Due to a lack of support from the sociocultural environment, working mothers needed more awareness of the importance of breastfeeding. However, the companies' economic and geographic environments and organizational culture were relatively favorable. Meanwhile, adequate dissemination could have helped communication. In addition, most companies do not provide lactation clinics or recommend formula milk. Conclusion: The current policies have not adequately supported the provision of lactation clinics in companies in Semarang City. To address this issue, lactation clinics should be classified according to the companies' capacities. It is also necessary to develop a leading sector that is transparent and responsible for supervising the provision of lactation clinics. Keywords: exclusive breastfeeding in workplace, lactation clinic, policy implementation

A Major Gap Between the Knowledge and Practice of Mothers Towards Early Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Afghanistan in 2021.

Initiation of breastfeeding right after birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is highly recommended. In this survey, we assessed the knowledge and practice of ever-married women towards early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the Nuristan province of Afghanistan. In a cross-sectional household survey, we enrolled 640 ever-married 15-49years women having a child aged 0-23months in the Parun district of Nuristan province from September to October 2021. Using a standardized data collection form and face-to-face interview, we measured self-reported demographic characteristics and the study outcomes (awareness and practice towards the initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life). We analyzed the data using survey methods and used bivariate and multiple Poisson regression to assess the covariates of the study outcomes. About 46.9% of ever-married women were 25-34years old, 67.5% never attended school, 30.4% were unemployed, and 86.4% had < $60 monthly income. Overall, 56.8% (95% CI 52.9-60.6) of the women had correct knowledge of the early initiation of breastfeeding, and 51.4% (95% CI 47.5-55.3) initiated breastfeeding early for their last baby. Also, 85.9% (95% CI 82.9-88.4) of the women had correct knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, but only 32.6% (95% CI 29.1-36.4) exclusively breastfed their last baby for 6months after birth. After adjustment for covariates, women who were 45-49years old (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [APR] = 1.26), Divorced/Separated (APR 1.68), ever attended school (APR 1.39), monthly income > $115 (APR 1.50) were more likely to start early breastfeeding. Moreover, women who were Divorced/Separated (APR 3.53) were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies for 6months after birth. Only over half of the women were aware of and initiated early breastfeeding. Although most women knew about exclusive breastfeeding, less than one-third exclusively breast their babies for 6months after birth. We found several contributing factors, such as age, marital status, education, and income that should be considered for targeted interventions.

Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among the Primigravida Mothers at a Public Hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Primigravidae, first-time mothers are generally inexperienced at motherhood, which affects breastfeeding initiation and intent. Therefore, they need frequent professional and social support that must be clinical and practical for successful exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) outcomes. The study aimed to qualitatively explore the psychosocial factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among primigravida mothers at a public hospital in the uGu District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A qualitative phenomenological and explorative research methodology was used to conduct the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposive sampled primigravida mothers from the postpartum ward from day one today to four post-delivery. Data was collected until saturation was reached. Based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy and Social Cognitive Theoretical Framework, the study has shown that personal, social, and environmental factors strongly influence maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding efficacy. Five significant themes that emerged from the data analysis were (a) factors influencing maternal self-efficacy, (b) challenges to EBF, (c) cultural influence on EBF, (d) the role of support systems to EBF, and (e) breastfeeding support strategies. The study showed that stakeholders need to apply critical clinical interventions if South Africa reaches the global nutritional target of 50% EBF by 2025. These include healthcare workers (HCWs), Policymakers, Employers, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Social Services. Access to child support grants, social services, ARVs through mobile clinic services, and frequent face-to-face antenatal care were among the study's recommendations to address doubts, fears, and anxieties around EBF intent, practice, and duration.