Increase socialization and education

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 95 views

The Influence of Breastfeeding Mothers' Attitudes on Exclusive Breastfeeding Policies in the Working Area of the Padang Bulan Health Center in Medan Baru District, Medan City in 2010

Introduction

Exclusive breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of supporting a baby's health, recommended to be given during the first six months of life. However, despite its importance, Indonesia's target of achieving 80% exclusive breastfeeding coverage in 2010 proved to be a challenging goal. In Medan, the scope of exclusive breastfeeding actually decreased from 3% in 2007 to only 1.33% in 2009. The Medan Baru District, in particular, showed a very low achievement, with 0% coverage during 2007-2008 and 0.32% in 2009. This study aims to analyze the influence of breastfeeding mothers' attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding actions in Medan Baru District, Medan City.

The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for a baby's health, providing optimal nutrition and protection against infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods up to two years of age or beyond. However, despite its importance, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia remain low, with a target of 80% coverage in 2010 proving to be a challenging goal.

Research Methodology

This study employed a survey method with an explanatory approach to 98 nursing mothers who have babies aged 6-12 months. The data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression at α = 0.05. The study aimed to analyze the influence of breastfeeding mothers' attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding actions in Medan Baru District, Medan City.

Research Findings

The analysis results show that the variable excellence, suitability, and difficulty have a significant effect on breastfeeding, with the value of p <0.05. Conversely, the triability and observability do not show a significant effect (P> 0.05). Of all the variables studied, difficulties are the most influential factor in breastfeeding in the working area of the Padang Bulan Health Center in Medan Baru District.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This finding shows that the attitude of breastfeeding mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding policies is greatly influenced by their perceptions of the benefits, relevance, and difficulties in implementing the policy. For example, mothers who feel that exclusive breastfeeding has advantages compared to formula milk tends to be more involved in breastfeeding. In addition, policy suitability with environmental conditions and support from the family and the community also affects the attitude of the mother.

On the other hand, the difficulties faced by mothers, such as lack of knowledge, support from health workers, or physical conditions that do not support, are the main obstacles. Therefore, increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office are advised to advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study shows that the attitude of breastfeeding mothers played a significant role in the success of exclusive breastfeeding policies in Medan Baru District. Although some factors have no effect, the difficulties faced by breastfeeding mothers are a big challenge that needs to be overcome. Thus, strategic steps must be taken to increase community understanding and support for exclusive breastfeeding, in order to achieve a better target of coverage in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase socialization and education: Increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.
Improve policy suitability: Policy suitability with environmental conditions and support from the family and the community also affects the attitude of the mother. Therefore, the Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should improve policy suitability to support exclusive breastfeeding.
Address difficulties faced by mothers: The difficulties faced by mothers, such as lack of knowledge, support from health workers, or physical conditions that do not support, are the main obstacles. Therefore, the Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should address these difficulties to support exclusive breastfeeding.
Establish partnerships with the community: The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere for exclusive breastfeeding.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited scope: This study only focuses on the influence of breastfeeding mothers' attitudes on exclusive breastfeeding policies in Medan Baru District, Medan City.
Data collection method: The data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Increasing the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Expanding the scope: Future studies should expand the scope of the study to include other factors that may influence exclusive breastfeeding.
Using different data collection methods: Future studies should use different data collection methods, such as surveys or observational studies, to improve the validity of the findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that the attitude of breastfeeding mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding policies is greatly influenced by their perceptions of the benefits, relevance, and difficulties in implementing the policy. The difficulties faced by mothers, such as lack of knowledge, support from health workers, or physical conditions that do not support, are the main obstacles. Therefore, increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office are advised to advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.
Q&A: The Influence of Breastfeeding Mothers' Attitudes on Exclusive Breastfeeding Policies

Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding, and why is it important?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby only breast milk, without any additional foods or liquids, for the first six months of life. It is essential for a baby's health, providing optimal nutrition and protection against infections.

Q: Why is exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Indonesia low?

A: Despite its importance, exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Indonesia remains low, with a target of 80% coverage in 2010 proving to be a challenging goal. In Medan, the scope of exclusive breastfeeding actually decreased from 3% in 2007 to only 1.33% in 2009.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study aims to analyze the influence of breastfeeding mothers' attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding actions in Medan Baru District, Medan City. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding and inform strategies to improve coverage.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The analysis results show that the variable excellence, suitability, and difficulty have a significant effect on breastfeeding, with the value of p <0.05. Conversely, the triability and observability do not show a significant effect (P> 0.05). Of all the variables studied, difficulties are the most influential factor in breastfeeding in the working area of the Padang Bulan Health Center in Medan Baru District.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study suggest that breastfeeding mothers' attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding policies are greatly influenced by their perceptions of the benefits, relevance, and difficulties in implementing the policy. Therefore, increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office are advised to advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase socialization and education: Increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.
Improve policy suitability: Policy suitability with environmental conditions and support from the family and the community also affects the attitude of the mother. Therefore, the Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should improve policy suitability to support exclusive breastfeeding.
Address difficulties faced by mothers: The difficulties faced by mothers, such as lack of knowledge, support from health workers, or physical conditions that do not support, are the main obstacles. Therefore, the Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should address these difficulties to support exclusive breastfeeding.
Establish partnerships with the community: The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office should establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere for exclusive breastfeeding.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited scope: This study only focuses on the influence of breastfeeding mothers' attitudes on exclusive breastfeeding policies in Medan Baru District, Medan City.
Data collection method: The data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire, which may be subject to bias.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on:

Increasing the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Expanding the scope: Future studies should expand the scope of the study to include other factors that may influence exclusive breastfeeding.
Using different data collection methods: Future studies should use different data collection methods, such as surveys or observational studies, to improve the validity of the findings.

Q: What is the conclusion of this study?

A: In conclusion, this study shows that the attitude of breastfeeding mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding policies is greatly influenced by their perceptions of the benefits, relevance, and difficulties in implementing the policy. The difficulties faced by mothers, such as lack of knowledge, support from health workers, or physical conditions that do not support, are the main obstacles. Therefore, increasing socialization and education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is very necessary. The Puskesmas and Medan City Health Office are advised to advocate and establish partnerships with the community to create a supportive atmosphere.