Exclusive Breastfeeding Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENCE OF DIARRHEA IN TODDLERS 0-59 MONTHS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Diarrhea is one of the major health problems in children under five in many countries. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, impaired growth, and even death in children under five if not treated appropriately. Puskesmas areas are often the center of public health services, and understanding the incidence of diarrhea in children under five in these areas is important for developing effective prevention and control strategies. The research design is crossectional which aims to analyze the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers 0-59 months. Independent variables in this study are parental education, nutritional status, hand washing habits before feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, clean water sources, and family latrines. While the dependent variable is the incidence of diarrhea. The sampling technique was proportional random sampling. Proportional random sampling. Sample calculation using the lemeshow formula obtained a total of 90 with an anticipated dropout of 10% so that the sample involved in this study was 99. The analysis used was univariate, bivariate, and multivariate. The results of the study reported that there was a relationship between parental education, nutritional status, hand washing habits, exclusive breastfeeding, clean water sources, and latrines on the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers 0-59 months in the Jayapura Health Center Area, East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency in 2024. The most dominant variable associated is the family latrine variable. This research is recommended to further strengthen the role of posyandu and the role of cadres as a form of community mobilization so that the ODF village declaration so that PHBS runs and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers can be overcome

ANALYSIS OF STUNTING INCIDENTS IN TODDLER CHILDREN

Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive in children under five years old. In 2023, there will still be 45 stunting cases and 52 underweight toddlers. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the incidence of stunting in children under five at the Seri Tanjung Community Health Center, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The design of this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study were parents of children under five who were seeking treatment at the Seri Tanjung Community Health Center in 2024. The sample in this study was 95 people. The sampling method uses purposive sampling. This research was carried out on 10 -20 February 2024. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used the Chi-Square test and multivariate logistic regression. The results of the research show that there is a relationship between age (p value 0.040), exclusive breastfeeding (p value 0.002) and LBW (p value 0.047) with the incidence of stunting in children under five at the Seri Tanjung Community Health Center in 2024. There is no relationship between gender (p value 0.075), employment (p value 0.12) and income (p value 0.823) with the incidence of stunting in children under five at the Seri Tanjung Community Health Center in 2024. The most dominant factor with the incidence of stunting in children under five at the Seri Tanjung Community Health Center in 2024 is exclusive breast milk (OR 0.210 ), if you don't provide exclusive breast milk, you have a 0.210 times risk of stunting compared to giving exclusive breast milk. The conclusion is that there is a relationship between age, exclusive breastfeeding and LBW. Community health centers need to provide counseling every two months in an effort to increase parents' knowledge of stunting and provide counseling guidance to parents regarding knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding.

ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENCE OF STUNTING IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

Stunting is a condition of growth failure in toddlers which is characterized by a height-for-age figure of less than -2 (z-score value). The prevalence of stunting in children aged 6-59 months is 41.1%, factors related to stunting are the child's age, food source and children with stunting are more susceptible to disease. This study aims to determine factors related to the incidence of stunting in children under five in the Tanjung Batu Community Health Center UPT Working Area, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The design of this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study is the target number of children under five who will be served/weighed at the Tanjung Batu Community Health Center, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The sample in this study was 96 people. The sample collection method used purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria of children under five in the Puskesmas working area and bringing a KIA book. This research was carried out on March 1-30 2024. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used the Chi-Square test and multivariate logistic regression. The results of the research show that there is a relationship between age (p value 0.003), nutritional status (p value 0.020), body weight (p value 0.009) and knowledge (p value 0.018) on the incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency In 2024. There is no relationship between exclusive breastfeeding (p value 0.11) and comorbidities (p value 0.20) on the incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The most dominant factor with The incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024 is knowledge (p value 0.012) OR (0.318). The community health center can increase public knowledge by providing health education about stunting through classes for mothers of toddlers, social media, leaflets and posters.

Knowledge and Awareness About Breastfeeding Among Postnatal Mothers in a Private Medical College

Background: Breastfeeding is essential in any infant’s nutrition and growth. There are various misconceptions and cultural beliefs regarding breastfeeding which can hinder breastfeeding and its continuation by the mothers. Objective: To describe the current level of knowledge and awareness about breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in private medical college. Methods: A Clinic based cross-sectional review was completed in the post-pregnancy ward of Obstetric division of the Saveetha clinical school and medical clinic between June 2021 toAugust 2021. Information were gathered through interview utilizing a semi-organized poll. Datawere went into Microsoft succeed and engaging examination was finished. Results: A very small percentage of postpartum mothers are aware of the significance of avoiding prelacteal feeding, early breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, burping, and breastfeeding on demand. However, more than half of postpartum mothers are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, the benefits of colostrum, and the bonding benefits of breastfeeding. Additionally, they are informed about whether mothers with HIV or tuberculosis can breastfeed.

Factors Water Characteristic and Exclusive Breastfeeding as Predicting Diarrhea Under 5 Years

Background: The incidence of death diarrheal disease for children under 5 years are 5 million. The prevalence of diarrhea up to 24.8%. The exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months will provide immunity to against various diseases such as diarrhea. The proportion of Infants not exclusive breastfeeding up to 65.8%. Factors such as washing hands, consumption of drinking water are factors caused diarrhea in children. The study aims to known at the prediction of the risk of diarrhea and the dominant factors related the incidence of diarrhea in Kebumen District.Methods: The study design used case control. The population is mothers who have toddlers 1-4 years in the working area of Berbah Health Center Services was estimated 3,407 toddlers. The sample of case is a toddler who suffers from diarrhea and the control is a toddler who does not suffer from diarrhea in the surrounding environment. The sample was estimated of 50 cases of diarrhea and 50 control without diarrhea who qualified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The instruments were used questionnaires and medical records of diarrhea. Data were analysis with chi square test and logistic regression with 95% confidence interval.Result: Based on bivariate analysis shown that the exclusive breastfeeding was significant risk of diarrhea incidence OR = 3.22 (1.41-7.35). Based on Handwashing that the handwashing variable has no significant risk of diarrhea incidence OR = 1.792 (0.80-4.01). Based on multivariate analysis that exclusive breastfeeding significant caused diarrhea for children OR = 2.76 (95%CI: 1.18-6.47) whereas hand washing did not significantly cause diarrhea in children OR = 1.15 (95% CI: 0.66-3.64) and drinking water did not significantly affect diarrhea in children OR 2.19 (95% CI: 0.91-5.27).Conclusion: The study concluded that the dominant risk factor significantly for diarrhea in toddlers is exclusive breastfeeding.

Maternal factors associated with stunting among children under two years in South Nias, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

The Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey 2022 reported that the prevalence of stunted children in South Nias, a district in North Sumatera, was 27.2%, higher than the regional and national prevalence of stunting. Stunting can be caused by many factors including maternal nutritional status, exclusive breastfeeding, and inadequate food intake. This research aims is to analyze the relationship between maternal factors and cases of stunting in children under two years at Somambawa Community Health Center, South Nias Regency. It was a quantitative study with a cross sectional design. Using a total sampling technique, 72 mothers with children under two years were included in the study. Exact fisher statistical and logical regression tests were carried out in bivariate and multivariate analyses. This study found that there was a significant relationship between antenatal care visits (p-value=0.000) and exclusive breastfeeding (p-value=0.000) with stunting in children under two years old. Exclusive breastfeeding was the most dominant predictor of stunting in the study, namely 84 times (p-value=0.000; OR 84.00). Meanwhile, complementary feeding and knowledge did not show a significant relationship with stunting. Therefore, health education to provide information and knowledge about stunting, especially about exclusive breastfeeding and complementary food for babies is suggested.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates Upon Hospital Discharge at a Tertiary Centre Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to describe exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at discharge at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and explore factors that contributed to changes in breastfeeding rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 4762 patient charts were reviewed, 2000 from the pre-pandemic period, and 2762 from the lockdown period. Data was collected on EBF status at discharge, on maternal health history, and on infant characteristics. EBF rates fell from 75.8% to 73.85% from the pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 period. During the pandemic, EBF was positively associated with BMI <30, spontaneous conception, and infants at risk of low blood sugar. Non-spontaneous conception was associated with lower EBF.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breastfeeding among South Indians: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Research shows that exclusively breastfed infants have a 13% lower mortality risk. However, only 37% of infants in Low and middle income country (LMIC) are exclusively breastfed. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chennai hospital’s outpatient department, focusing on pediatrics. The study commenced after obtaining ethical clearance (99/IEC-SMMCHRI). Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scales were developed by modifying existing KAP tools. The KAP questionnaire was based on the World Health Organization. The same was applied to 250 consenting mothers. Results: Participants had a mean age of 27 years, with the youngest mother at 19 and the oldest at 40. Forty-one percent had finished high school, and 37% had completed undergraduate studies. Eighty-eight percent had strong breastfeeding comprehension, and 96% had a favorable attitude. However, only 32% exclusively breastfed. The study found significant correlations between knowledge and behavior (χ2 = 4.27, P = 0.04) and between attitude and behavior (χ2 = 5.69, P = 0.017). Mothers with adequate knowledge tended to follow recommended feeding practices, and those with a positive attitude displayed good practices. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward breastfeeding, the cultural practice of introducing prelacteal food hinders exclusive breastfeeding, leading to negative outcomes. While there have been some improvements in exclusive breastfeeding rates, addressing this disparity could reduce child mortality rates. The outcomes of the research will be highly beneficial for primary care physicians in their efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding among expectant mothers.

Determinants of Pneumonia Symptoms in Toddlers in the Paal V Health Center Working Area of Jambi City

ABSTRACT Pneumonia is a disease in children under five which causes the highest number of deaths at the global level. Pneumonia cases in toddlers continue to increase and Indonesia is ranked 8th in the world. The aim of this research is to determine the factors associated with pneumonia symptoms in toddlers in the working area of the Paal V Health Center, Jambi City. Cross sectional research design. The research was conducted in the Paal V Community Health Center Working Area, Jambi City. The total sample was 70 toddlers taken using Accidental Sampling. The independent variables are house temperature, house humidity, residential density, house ventilation, lighting, smoking habits, mother's knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding. Data were analyzed using the Chi Squar e or Fisher Exact test. Toddlers with Pneumonia Symptoms are 65.7%. Factors associated with pneumonia symptoms in toddlers are house humidity (PR=0.60; 95% CI=0.37-0.95), house lighting (PR=0.55; 95% CI=0.29-1, 04), smoking habits (PR=1.50; 95% CI=098-2.28) and maternal knowledge (PR=2.46; 95% CI=1.08-1.97). Meanwhile, those that are not related to pneumonia symptoms in toddlers are house temperature, house ventilation, residential density and exclusive breastfeeding. Risk factors for pneumonia symptoms in toddlers are house humidity that does not meet the requirements, house lighting that does not meet the requirements, the presence of smoking habits in the house, poor maternal knowledge. It is hoped that mothers who have toddlers will pay attention to the physical environment of the house and reduce smoking habits in the house Keywords: Pneumonia, Environment, Child, Mother

Comparison of perinatal outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus according to type of treatment for glycemic control

ObjectiveTo compare the perinatal outcomes of women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), between pregnant treated only with lifestyle changes and pregnant treated with insulin and lifestyle changes. MethodsProspective cohort study with follow-up of 64 women with GDM during the prenatal care and postpartum period until hospital discharge, divided into a control group (43) and an insulin group (21), with collection of sociodemographic, clinical, glycemic control and perinatal outcome data. Fetal macrosomia (≥ 4 Kg), or large-for-gestational-age newborns were considered the primary outcome of the research. ResultsPre-pregnancy BMI (31.2 ± 3.9 versus 28.8 ± 5.5), diastolic blood pressure (75 ± 8.7 versus 69 ± 6.9) and postprandial blood glucose (136.6 versus 115.4) ​​were higher in the insulin group, respectively. The control group had an average birth weight of 3058 g and an incidence of preterm birth of 11.6 %, while the insulin group had an average birth weight of 3203 g, with an incidence of preterm birth of 4.8 %. The majority of newborns had an adequate weight for their gestational age. Even all participants met glycemic goals, in the insulin group the Apgar score at the 5th minute and exclusive breastfeeding was lower, had 100 % of resuscitation cases, and a longer inpatient period. ConclusionThese data reinforce that even during prenatal care with lifestyle changes, newborns of women with GDM treated with insulin had worse outcomes, including clinical complications and less exclusive breastfeeding. It is important in prenatal care to identify neonates with risk for prevention and health promotion measures.

Social Desirability Bias in a Randomized Controlled Trial That Included Breastfeeding Promotion in Western Kenya

BackgroundBreastfeeding promotion is associated with improved measures of breastfeeding practice; however, most studies rely on participant-reported outcomes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the likelihood of bias in self-reported breastfeeding outcomes. MethodsWe used data from the WASH Benefits randomized controlled trial in Kenya (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01704105), which included intervention arms that received infant and young child feeding messages (nutrition group) and arms that did not (non-nutrition group) to examine recall bias in the assessment of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration. Pregnant women were eligible for inclusion, but 40% of infants were born before the first visit by the health promoter. We used the random variability in the timing of the infant birth relative to the first contact with the health promoter to examine recall bias in EIBF. We used ≤5 rounds of repeated surveys to examine bias in recall of EBF duration. ResultsThere was a significant effect of the intervention group on EIBF [prevalence ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43, 1.57] and a significant difference in the duration of EBF [nutrition group: 6.0 mo; interquartile range (IQR): 3.0–6.0; nonnutrition group: 3.0 mo; IQR: 0.5–6.0; P < 0.001]. There was not a significant interaction with birth timing relative to the first contact with the health promoters (P = 0.915), suggesting that the observed main effect on EIBF was due to recall bias. We found that 75.9% of mothers who initially reported having ceased EBF before 6 mo in the nutrition group changed their response to 6 mo or later in subsequent surveys. Only 32.5% of mothers in the non-nutrition group followed this pattern. ConclusionsThese data provide strong evidence of bias in reporting of breastfeeding practices in this nonblinded intervention trial and should serve as a caution to researchers who rely on self-reported outcomes of behavior change interventions.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01704105.

Maternal Infant Feeding Knowledge And Dietary Diversity Of Children’s Diet Born Of Hiv-Positive Mothers, In Narok County, Kenya

Despite progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, children still acquire HIV infection (Frange et al., 2021), in 2020, the world had 31.6 million HIV positive people and sub-Sahara African countries had 83% pregnant women, 80% infants with HIV, and 78% of teenage women 15-24 years newly infected. Kenya had 1.4 million HIV positive people a prevalence rate of 4.5% and 5% in Narok County. Breastfeeding, especially early and exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the most important ways to improve infant survival (WHO, 2023c). However, the complementary feeding period, from 6 to 23 months of age, is one of the most challenging times to meet children’s nutrient demands. While children’s stomachs can only hold a small amount of food, their nutrient needs reach a lifetime peak leaving them vulnerable to growth faltering (Almasri et al., 2020). The overall objective of the study was to determine maternal infant feeding knowledge and dietary diversity of children’s diet born of HIV-positive mothers, in Narok County, Kenya The research was a cross-sectional analytical study and involved HIV+ mothers and their babies aged 0 – 23 months, purposively selected. A defined questionnaire was utilized for socio demographic indicators (e.g. age, marital status), anthropometry assessment (e.g. weight, Height) and secondary data/ hospital records. Through simple random sampling, mother baby pairs were generated by use of a computer and SPSS version 22.0 was utilized to analyse data. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Newborn community health advancements among Ethiopian Orthodox Christian women in North Gondar, Ethiopia: community-based randomised trial protocol

IntroductionDespite significant progress over past decades, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high in Ethiopia. Simple interventions have been shown to improve the health of children and reduce...

Abstract P420: Amino acid and organic acid signature in urine of prepubescents with higher cardiometabolic risk evaluated by waist-to-height ratio

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a valuable tool for assessing central obesity and cardiometabolic risk, even in non-obese individuals. Childhood obesity is linked to metabolic abnormalities underlying cardiovascular diseases. Amino acids are fundamental in several metabolic processes, such as synthesizing proteins, ATP, and neurotransmitters. Organic acids are products of the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats. We assessed the hypothesis that their levels can serve as biomarkers for exposure, disease progression, and susceptibility, aiding in early intervention strategies. This cross-sectional study assessed amino acids and organic acids profiles in urine from prepubescent children categorized by WHtR. The 110 Brazilian participants aged 9-10 were classified as higher (n=48) or normal (n=62) cardiovascular risk. LC-MS/MS analyzed 47 amino acids and 73 organic acids in 12-hour urine samples, concentration values were adjusted by urinary creatinine. Standard protocols were used to obtain biochemical profiles, cardiovascular and anthropometric parameters. A metabolic signature in the urine of prepubescents at higher cardiometabolic risk was characterized by increased levels of the aromatic amino acids [Tyr ( 131 vs 90, p &lt; 0.01 ), Trp ( 109 vs 95, p =0.02 ) and Phe ( 65 vs 46, p = 0.04 )], Lys ( 212 vs 160, p &lt; 0.01 ), α-aminoadipic acid (61 vs 49, p &lt; 0.01 ), and cystathionine ( 25 vs 21 nmol/mg of creatinine, p = 0.03 ) while the levels of the organic acids p-OH-phenyl lactic (4.82 vs 3.7 ug/mg of creatinine, p = 0.02 ), suberylglycine (0.37 vs 0.18 , p = 0.01 ), and benzoic acid (2.67 vs 1.77 , p = 0.01 ) were found to be reduced. These amino acids were correlated with increased anthropometric measurements, low HDL-C, and hypertriglyceridemia. Also, Lys and Tyr were positively associated with higher systolic blood pressure. The organic acids were negatively correlated with anthropometric measurements and benzoic acid showed a positive correlation with time of exclusive breastfeeding. Findings indicate that children at higher cardiometabolic risk present an amino acid and organic acid signature in urine, this amino acid signature is commonly reported in type 2 diabetes and adults with cardiovascular disease. The organic acid signature in the urine of children in the context of cardiometabolic risk is reported for the first time.

The effectiveness oxytocin massage combination moringa leaves and soy milk on breastmilk production postpartum mothers

Breastfeeding is very influential on infants’ and child’s growth. Survey result in 2018 mentioning the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is 68.74% in Indonesia and 64.19% in Central Java. Some factors caused breastfeeding obstructions are breast milk didn’t ooze and small quantity of the ooze. Breast milk obstruction caused due lack of oxytocin and prolactin hormone stimulation. This can be cured by giving moringa leaves and oxytocin massage. The study's goal is to examine breast milk production after a combination oxytocin massage with moringa leaves and soy milk. The research design is quasi-experimental with a post-test only control group, and the data analysis design is an independent T-test. Population of this study is postpartum mothers in Central Java. With 83 total samples in Salatiga, Semarang, Grobogan, Rembang, Blora, Kendal and Demak. The group combined with moringa leaves, has 1,183.24 grams difference weight before and after treatment, estimated 185.21 ml volume of breast milk. The group combined with soy milk, has 1,088.04 grams difference weight before and after treatment, with 170.31 ml estimated of breast milk volume. The difference baby's weight from two combination groups was 95.2 grams with a p-value of 0.108. Conclusion of the study is the difference is not significant. The weight gain of infants in the oxytocin massage combination with moringa leaves group was higher than soy milk combination. Recommendation of moringa leaves can be offer for postpartum mother to increase the ooze of breast milk production.

The Effect of Supplemental Feeding Tube Device on Time to Transition to Exclusive Breastfeeding and Discharge: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Preterm Infants.

Aim: This study investigated the effect of supplemental feeding tube device (SFTD) method on time to transition to exclusive breastfeeding and discharge time in preterm infants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a public hospital in Turkey (Clinical Trial Number: NCT05815706). The sample consisted of 65 preterm infants randomized into a control (n = 32) and an experimental (n = 33) group. The experimental group participants were SFTD-fed until they switched to exclusive breastfeeding. The control group participants were fed according to the routine procedure. Data were collected using a questionnaire, a Preterm Infant Monitoring Form, and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool. The data were analyzed using numbers, percentage distributions, means, standard deviations, Pearson's chi-square test, and independent samples t-test. The study was approved by an Ethics Committee. Permission was obtained from the hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all parents. Results: The experimental group (123.64 ± 63.25 hours) demonstrated an earlier transition to exclusive breastfeeding compared with the control group (187.50 ± 95.30 hours) (p < 0.05). The experimental group (361.45 ± 110.46 hours) had significantly shorter hospital stays than the control group (479.25 ± 163.17 hours). The experimental group (35.33 ± 1.14 weeks) had a significantly younger gestational age at discharge than the control group (35.97 ± 1.03 weeks). Conclusion: The SFTD is an alternate supportive feeding method that helps preterm infants switch to exclusive breastfeeding sooner, have shorter hospital stays, and have a younger gestational age at discharge than their bottle-fed counterparts.

Predicting mothers' exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months: Interface creation study using machine learning technique.

Machine learning techniques (MLT) build models to detect complex patterns and solve new problems using big data. The present study aims to create a prediction interface for mothers breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months using MLT. All mothers who had babies aged 6-24 months between 15.09.2021 and 15.12.2021 and to whom the surveys could be delivered were included. 'Personal Information Form' created by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Data from 514 mothers participating in the study were used for MLT. Data from 70% of mothers were used for educational purposes, and a prediction model was created. The data obtained from the remaining 30% of the mothers were used for testing. The best MLT algorithm for predicting exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was determined to be the Random Forest Classifier. The top five variables affecting the possibility of mothers breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months were as follows: "the mother not having any health problems during pregnancy," "there were no people who negatively affected the mother's morale about breastfeeding," "the amount of water the mother drinks in a day," "thinking that her milk supply is insufficient," "having no problems breastfeeding the baby". Using created prediction model may allow early identification of mothers with a risk of not breastfeeding their babies exclusively for the first 6 months. In this way, mothers in the risk group can be closely monitored in the early period.

GERAY DASIF: Gerakan Ayah Dukung Asi Eksklusif di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Peusangan Siblah Krueng

Many fathers are concerned about the low level of breastfeeding, but fathers do not show any action to provide proper support to their wives. The problem of exclusive breastfeeding also occurs in the Peusangan Siblah Krueng Health Center Work Area with babies aged 0-6 months who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding. This cannot be allowed to continue because exclusive breastfeeding is the main source of nutrition for growth and development. Activity Objectives: Creating GERAY DASIF: Fathers' Movement to Support Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Dewantara Health Center Work Area and increasing the active involvement of fathers in improving maternal and infant health. Community Service Methods: Identification of exclusive breastfeeding, identification of supporting factors for breastfeeding mothers in North Aceh, consultation and formation of fathers' groups, group management, monitoring and evaluation, activity reports, scientific publications, socialization. The result of the service is the formation of a group of fathers supporting exclusive breastfeeding so that fathers are aware of their role which is not only to earn a living but also "but fathers/husbands also play a big role in providing support for the family, especially for partners (wives), one of which is supporting or helping mothers (wives) in terms of providing breast milk so that mothers feel able to breastfeed their babies and get attention from their husbands.

Measuring breastfeeding prevalence using demographic and health surveys

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the measurement of breastfeeding prevalence indicators using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data, focusing on early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and continued breastfeeding indicators as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and on the discrepancies arising from small changes in their definition.MethodsTwo hundred sixty DHS samples from 78 countries were analyzed to re-calculate usual indicators reported by WHO and UNICEF: early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (EBF), and continued breastfeeding between 1 and 2 years (CBF12 and CBF24). Additionally, alternative estimates of the same indicators, slightly changing their definition, were calculated to test their robustness.ResultsThe WHO and UNICEF indicators for early initiation (EIB) primarily capture cases where breastfeeding is initiated “immediately” after birth, omitting those initiated within 0 or 1 hour. This discrepancy leads to substantial underestimation of levels in some regions, particularly South Asia, and in trends. Furthermore, sizable discrepancies between exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) indicators arise from the inclusion or exclusion of plain water in the definition, with significant variations across regions, especially in West and Middle Africa. However, continued breastfeeding indicators showed consistency across definitions, proving them robust for international comparisons and time trend estimations.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of understanding how breastfeeding indicators are defined and calculated using DHS data. Researchers should be cautious when using WHO and UNICEF indicators for early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, as they may underestimate prevalence due to their narrow definition. Continued breastfeeding indicators, on the other hand, are less affected by small changes in definitions and provide reliable measures for cross-country comparisons and trend analyses. These findings underscore the need for standardized robust definitions and transparent reporting of breastfeeding indicators in global health assessments.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers of Infants under 6-Months of Age

The consequences of poor feeding practices might exhibit in the form of poor nutritional status in the early part of life whereas delayed mental as well as motor developmental disorders are some most commonly exhibited long term consequences. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers of infants below six months of age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Pediatrics, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital, Rawlakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan from August 2022 to January 2023. Results: In a total of 237 mothers, the mean age was 27.15 ± 3.87 years. The EBF was reported by 151 (63.7 %) mothers. High socio-economic status (adjusted odds ratio = 5.87, p = 0.003), having fewer than 4 antenatal visits (adjusted odds ratio = 4.15, p &lt; 0.001), cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 5.57, p &lt; 0.001). the absence of postnatal advice on EBF (adjusted odds ratio = 3.06, p = 0.004), and children aged 4-6 months (adjusted odds ratio = 8.58, p &lt; 0.001) had significantly higher odds of absence of EBF. Conclusions: It was concluded that the exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 63.7% mothers. High socio-economic status, fewer antenatal visits, cesarean section, absence of postnatal advice on exclusive breastfeeding, and relatively older age of the infant were associated with lack of exclusive breastfeeding practices.