Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding at Primary Health Care in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is recommended as the best form of infant feeding. In Indonesia, despite a high percentages of women (96%) who breastfeed their children, only 42% of infants aged under 6 months are exclusively breastfed. It is important to understand the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding so that intervention can be directed precisely.Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of mother who had 7 to 12 months old infants in Puskesmas Curug, Indonesia (2012). Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Chisquare was used to find risk factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding.Results: Of 60 mothers, 51.2% did exclusive breastfeeding. Factors known to influence exclusive breastfeeding were early breastfeeding initiation (p=0.002), health counselling (p<0.001) and knowledge (p=0.004). Mother’s education and occupation were not associated with exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion: Opportunities exist for increasing health counselling in primary healthcare in Indonesia to motivate mothers to do exclusive breastfeeding.