Factors Contributing to Suboptimal Implementation

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 31 views

Introduction

Exclusive ASI, or the provision of breast milk without the addition of other foods or drinks, is a crucial practice for the growth and development of children. It has numerous benefits, including supporting the growth and development of children and strengthening the immune system. However, the data shows that the scope of exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center has decreased from 25.45% in 2016 to 17.20% in 2017, far below the national standard set at 80%. This article discusses the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center and the factors that contribute to its suboptimal implementation.

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding is a practice that has been widely recommended by health organizations worldwide. It provides numerous benefits to children, including supporting their growth and development, strengthening their immune system, and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding programs in many areas, including the Aek Songsongan Health Center, has been suboptimal. This article aims to discuss the factors that contribute to the suboptimal implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center.

Methodology

This research was conducted using a qualitative method through in-depth interviews. The informant interviewed was chosen using purposive sampling technique, consisting of the Head of the Aek Songsongan Health Center, the person in charge of the exclusive ASI program, Posyandu cadres, and mothers with children aged 0-12 months and pregnant women. The results showed that the implementation of the exclusive ASI program at the Aek Songsongan Health Center was not optimal.

Factors Contributing to Suboptimal Implementation

Several factors contribute to the suboptimal implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center. These factors include:

Lack of Local Regulations

The absence of regional regulations regarding exclusive breastfeeding makes it difficult for the implementation of this program. Clear regulations are needed to provide guidance and support for health workers in implementing exclusive breastfeeding programs.

Limitations of Health Workers

The quality and quantity of existing health workers today is inadequate. Many health workers have not received special training on exclusive breastfeeding, so they are not ready in providing information and support to mothers.

Insufficient Facilities

Without the support of adequate facilities, this program is difficult to run effectively.

Implementation of Posyandu

Even though the posyandu has been scheduled, the implementation has not been maximized. The participation of mothers in posyandu activities is very important to support the success of the exclusive breastfeeding program.

Class of Pregnant Women

Class implementation for pregnant women is not in accordance with the schedule set by health workers, causing many mothers to be absent. Many mothers choose to work and ignore the importance of information about exclusive breastfeeding.

Early Breastfeeding (IMD) Initiation

Although the IMD has been carried out, the implementation is not optimal. This needs to be improved so that every mother can breastfeed her baby from birth well.

Recommendations

Based on the findings above, researchers recommend that there are regional policies governing exclusive breastfeeding, improving the quality and quantity of health workers, and the creation of special budgets to support this program. In addition, it is important to improve communication with the community so that they are more involved and participate in the exclusive breastfeeding program, so that the benefits can be felt by more children and families in the Aek Songsongan region.

Conclusion

The success of the exclusive ASI program does not only depend on policies, but also on the active participation of all levels of society. Synergistic efforts between the government, health workers, and the community will have a significant impact on the health of children in the Aek Songsongan Health Center. Therefore, it is essential to improve the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center to achieve the national standard of 80% exclusive breastfeeding rate.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center after the implementation of the recommended policies and interventions. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that contribute to the success of exclusive breastfeeding programs in other areas and to develop strategies for scaling up the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding programs in Indonesia.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The study was conducted using a qualitative method, which may not be representative of the entire population. Additionally, the study only focused on the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center, which may not be generalizable to other areas. Future research should aim to address these limitations by using a larger sample size and a more diverse population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center is suboptimal due to several factors, including the lack of local regulations, limitations of health workers, insufficient facilities, implementation of posyandu, class of pregnant women, and early breastfeeding (IMD) initiation. Researchers recommend that there are regional policies governing exclusive breastfeeding, improving the quality and quantity of health workers, and the creation of special budgets to support this program. Synergistic efforts between the government, health workers, and the community will have a significant impact on the health of children in the Aek Songsongan Health Center.

Introduction

The implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center has been a topic of discussion in recent years. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center.

Q: What is the exclusive ASI program?

A: The exclusive ASI program is a practice where breast milk is provided to babies without the addition of other foods or drinks, except for drugs or vitamins, from birth to the age of six months, and can continue to be given until children are two years old.

Q: What are the benefits of the exclusive ASI program?

A: The exclusive ASI program has numerous benefits, including supporting the growth and development of children, strengthening the immune system, and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Q: Why is the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center suboptimal?

A: The implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center is suboptimal due to several factors, including the lack of local regulations, limitations of health workers, insufficient facilities, implementation of posyandu, class of pregnant women, and early breastfeeding (IMD) initiation.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center?

A: The recommendations for improving the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center include the creation of regional policies governing exclusive breastfeeding, improving the quality and quantity of health workers, and the creation of special budgets to support this program.

Q: How can the community be involved in the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center?

A: The community can be involved in the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center by participating in posyandu activities, attending classes for pregnant women, and supporting health workers in their efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Q: What is the role of health workers in the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center?

A: Health workers play a crucial role in the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center. They are responsible for providing information and support to mothers, conducting classes for pregnant women, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

Q: How can the government support the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center?

A: The government can support the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center by creating regional policies governing exclusive breastfeeding, providing funding for health workers and facilities, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding through public awareness campaigns.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center?

A: Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center after the implementation of the recommended policies and interventions. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that contribute to the success of exclusive breastfeeding programs in other areas and to develop strategies for scaling up the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding programs in Indonesia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of the exclusive ASI program in the working area of the Aek Songsongan Health Center is a complex issue that requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the government, health workers, and the community. By understanding the factors that contribute to the suboptimal implementation of the exclusive ASI program and by implementing the recommended policies and interventions, we can improve the health outcomes of children in the Aek Songsongan Health Center.