A community-based educational program on breastfeeding in Indramayu, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

As part of a series of studies, an evaluation of the perception of women regarding Information, Education, and Communication (IE&C) on breastfeeding was undertaken in 1990. It was conducted by mid-wives, family planning workers, cadres, traditional birth attendants, village officials, and previously trained IE&C personnel of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture. The subjects were women living in the subdistrict of Gabus Wetan, Indramayu, West Java, with live births in the last three years. Out of the 791 women meeting the criteria, 243 attended the IE&C program (IE&C group), while 548 did not attend (nonIE&C group). For the final analysis, 778 were eligible, with 242 in the IE&C group and 536 in the nonIE&C group. The IE&C group was found to be slightly younger in age (P=0.04) with a higher level of education (P=0.05). More women in the IE&C group knew when to initiate breastfeeding (RRmh 1.52, 95% CI 3.81-5.54), the importance of colostrum (RRmh 1.52, 95% CI 1.42-1.62), and when to start supplementary feeding (RRmh 6.62-8.30). When adjusted to the educational level, RRmh and 95%CI of4.62 (3.83-5.56), were 1.52 (95% CI 1.43-1.63) and 6.28 (95% CI 5.05-7.82) respectively.