Relationship of Family Characteristics and Exclusive ASI Giving in the Working Area of the Talik Public Health Center in Laeparira Dairi District in 2016
Introduction
Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to support the growth and development of infants. Breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that play a crucial role in strengthening the baby's immune system. In the working area of the Talik Public Health Center in Laeparira Dairi District, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in 2016 was only 41.3%. This study aims to investigate the relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding in this region.
Methodology
This study employed an observational design with a cross-sectional method, involving 92 nursing mothers who had a baby aged 7-12 months. Primary data were collected through direct interviews with mothers, while secondary data were obtained from the original Puskesmas. The data analysis was conducted using the Univariate and Bivariate method, with the Chi-Square test, and a significance limit of P <0.05.
Univariate Analysis
The results of the Univariate analysis showed that the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the region was only 41.3%. The characteristics of the family studied included the age of the mother, education, work, family income, and mother's knowledge about ASI. The findings revealed that:
Most mothers aged 20-35 years (59.8%)
The most education was high school (48.9%)
The majority of the work of the mother was farmers (38.0%)
75.0% of the family had high income
63.0% of mothers had good knowledge about breast milk
Bivariate Analysis
The results of the Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between three family characteristics variables and exclusive breastfeeding:
Education (p = 0.029)
Work (p = 0.003)
Knowledge (p = 0.008)
However, the maternal age variable and family income did not show a significant relationship with exclusive breastfeeding, with the probability value of each p = 0.903 for age and p = 0.087 for family income.
Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that there is a significant relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers with higher education, who work as farmers, and have good knowledge about breast milk are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. However, the maternal age variable and family income do not show a significant relationship with exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, it is highly recommended that mothers increase exclusive breastfeeding to their babies. Puskesmas are also expected to be more active in providing counseling and information about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for baby health. Effective education programs can help increase awareness and understanding of the mother about the benefits of breastfeeding, so that it is expected that the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in this region can increase.
Recommendations
Mothers should increase exclusive breastfeeding to their babies
Puskesmas should be more active in providing counseling and information about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for baby health
Effective education programs should be implemented to increase awareness and understanding of the mother about the benefits of breastfeeding
Future Research Directions
This study provides a foundation for future research on the relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding. Further studies can investigate the impact of other factors, such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare services, on exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
The sample size was relatively small
The study was conducted in a specific region, which may not be representative of other areas
The study only investigated the relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding, and did not explore other factors that may influence breastfeeding practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in supporting the growth and development of infants. The findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding, and that effective education programs can help increase awareness and understanding of the mother about the benefits of breastfeeding. Further research is needed to explore the impact of other factors on exclusive breastfeeding practices and to develop effective interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship of Family Characteristics and Exclusive ASI Giving in the Working Area of the Talik Public Health Center in Laeparira Dairi District in 2016
Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding, and why is it important?
A: Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk, without any additional foods or liquids, for the first six months of life. This is important because breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that play a crucial role in strengthening the baby's immune system.
Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding include:
Improved infant health and development
Reduced risk of infections and diseases
Increased cognitive development and intelligence
Improved mother-infant bonding and relationship
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers
Q: What are the family characteristics that are related to exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The study found that the following family characteristics are related to exclusive breastfeeding:
Education: Mothers with higher education are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding
Work: Mothers who work as farmers are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding
Knowledge: Mothers with good knowledge about breast milk are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding
Q: Why did the study find a significant relationship between education and exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The study found a significant relationship between education and exclusive breastfeeding because mothers with higher education are more likely to have access to information and resources about the benefits of breastfeeding. They are also more likely to have the knowledge and skills to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Q: Why did the study find a significant relationship between work and exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The study found a significant relationship between work and exclusive breastfeeding because mothers who work as farmers are more likely to have a flexible schedule and be able to breastfeed their babies. They are also more likely to have a supportive work environment that allows them to breastfeed.
Q: Why did the study find a significant relationship between knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding?
A: The study found a significant relationship between knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding because mothers with good knowledge about breast milk are more likely to understand the benefits of breastfeeding and be able to practice it effectively.
Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for public health policy and practice?
A: The study's findings have implications for public health policy and practice in several areas:
Increasing access to education and information about breastfeeding for mothers
Providing support and resources for mothers who want to breastfeed
Encouraging employers to provide a supportive work environment for breastfeeding mothers
Developing effective interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding
Q: What are the limitations of the study?
A: The study has several limitations, including:
The sample size was relatively small
The study was conducted in a specific region, which may not be representative of other areas
The study only investigated the relationship between family characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding, and did not explore other factors that may influence breastfeeding practices.
Q: What are the future research directions for this study?
A: Future research directions for this study include:
Investigating the impact of other factors, such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare services, on exclusive breastfeeding practices
Developing and evaluating effective interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding
Conducting further studies in other regions to confirm the findings of this study.