The Relationships between Maternal Knowledge, Education, Employment, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Infants

Nova Putri Ardinal  Sinaga; Maestro Bina Utama  Simanjuntak; Eka Samuel Parulian  Hutasoit

doi:10.26911/ICPH10/Maternal/2023.34

Authors

	Nova Putri Ardinal Sinaga Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author
	Maestro Bina Utama Simanjuntak Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author
	Eka Samuel Parulian Hutasoit Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author

Abstract

Background: Breast milk is an ideal food for babies, containing antibodies that help protect against many common childhood diseases. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients a baby needs in the first months of life. This study aimed to determine the relationships between maternal knowledge, education, employment, and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in infants.

Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Medan Sunggal Community Health Center, from 24 June to 17 July 2023. A total of 67 lactating mothers were selected by consecutive sampling. The dependent variable was EBF. The independent variables were maternal knowledge, education, and employment. The data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using a chi-square with Odds Ratio as the measure of association.

Results: The likelihood of EBF practice increased with unemployed mothers (OR= 3.88; 95%CI= 1.37 to 11.53; p=0.010), high maternal knowledge (OR= 5.48; 95% CI= 1.66 to 21.57; p=0.003) and high maternal education (OR= 5.06; 95% CI= 1.44 to 20.73; p=0.010), and they were statistically significant.

Conclusion: The likelihood of EBF practice increases with unemployed mothers, high maternal knowledge, and high maternal education