Practice of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in Sukoharjo Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Cognitive Theory

Abstract

Early initiation of breastfeeding can reduce child mortality. This qualitative study was conducted in Sukoharjo. The topic was the practice of early initiation of breastfeeding in Sukoharjo based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The categories found were the following: 1) there were several obstacles, 2) there were several supports, 3) not all mothers had the intention to practice early initiation of breastfeeding, 4) in general, the hospital had not properly practiced early initiation of breastfeeding, 5) families did not obstruct the practice, 6) not all community health centres implemented early initiation of breastfeeding according to standard, 7) not all birth attendants have appropriate understanding in regard with early initiation of breastfeeding, 8) neighbours did not have knowledge the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, 9) not all mothers understood or were asked for early initiation of breastfeeding, 10) birth attendants perceived that early initiation of breastfeeding was not a hassle, 11) health workers supported the practice of early initiation of breastfeeding, 12) there were government supports and various sources of information that support the practice, 13) mothers and birth attendants had good health expectations related to the implementation of early initiation of breastfeeding, 14) early initiation of breastfeeding practice standards in Sukoharjo have been partially fulfilled. The conclusion is that the early initiation of breastfeeding in Sukoharjo was already underway but still needed a lot of improvement. When viewed from the TPB and SCT theories, some of the constructs were strong, and many of them were weak. It is recommended that the district health office advocate for the government to make specific regulations related to early initiation of breastfeeding to strengthen the support.