Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted by interviewing 300 mothers of children
6 to 12 months old in Manado municipal, Indonesia. This study aimed to identify
breastfeeding patterns, and the association between practicing exclusive
breastfeeding and a range of variables; socio-demographic factors, level of use MCH
(Maternal and Child Health) handbook, mothers knowledge about breastfeeding,
health provider support, prenatal class attendance and a number of other related
factors . The instruments used for data collection were a structured questionnaire and
a checklist.
The study respondents ages ranged from 16 to 43 with an average age of 27.6.
The majority of respondents worked inside, graduated from secondary school, had
small family size and low to moderate family monthly income.
The results showed that the exclusive breastfeeding rate was 49.67 %. Only
22.22 % of mothers have high levels of using the MCH handbook. It was found that
there were significant associations between the independent variables of education,
occupation, family size, family income, previous experience of exclusive
breastfeeding, child birth order, husband support and the dependent variable of
practicing exclusive breastfeeding.
Mothers with low levels of using the MCH handbook were less likely to
practice exclusive breastfeeding compared with those who had high levels. Those
who have job outside are 0.34 times less likely to give exclusive breastfeeding
compared to the inside job group.
Based on the study findings, health professionals need to develop a continual
program to promote the MCH handbook, and how to use it as a basic source of
health information including exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding
promotion should encourage mothers to breastfeed not only in health centers but also
in the workplace.