THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FORMING BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

Abstract

Background: Child and maternal health in Indonesia can be improved by promoting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, which can be done through the formation of breastfeeding support groups. The villages of Sugihwaras and Sumbergede have initiated breastfeeding support groups; however, the two villages differ in the framework of their programs and their intervention methods for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Aim: This paper analyzes the effectiveness of support groups in these two villages to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Using a case study approach, a comparative analysis was done using a total sampling technique and descriptive analysis. Samples were selected from the Fieldwork Report of Groups 14 and 15, Faculty of Public Health, University Airlangga from 2017 to 2018, and the study compared the community’s characteristics (as input), program management (as process), and results in forming breastfeeding support groups (as output) Results: The two villages had similar community characteristics, and the average duration of each program was the same. Sumbergede focused on forming a framework of support for the breastfeeding support group, while Sugihwaras focused on breastfeeding mothers and their husbands. Indicator analysis of the program showed that Sumbergede (80% achieved) had a 5.71% higher percentage of attainment compared to Sugihwaras (85.71% achieved). Analysis of the program’s strengths and weaknesses showed that Sumbergede had more success and power in resources in its region. Conclusion: The intervention program in Sumbergede was more effective. It has a greater potential to be a sustainable program that will achieve a 100% rate of exclusive breastfeeding within the next year.