Factors Related to Exclusive Breastfeeding in The Working Area of Kaluku Bodoa Public Health Center Makassar City

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the provision of breast milk to an infant from birth up to six months of age, without the addition or substitution of any other food or drink, except for minerals, medications, and vitamins. Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between respondents' characteristics, breastfeeding self-efficacy, healthcare professional support, spousal support, and family support in the working area of Kaluku Bodoa Public Health Center, Makassar City. Methods: This study employs a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consists of 1121 mothers with infants aged 6–24 months, with a sample of 101 mothers selected using accidental sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: There is a significant association between education and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.019), parity and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.012), breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.001), spousal support and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.001), and family support and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.031). However, no significant association was found between knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.239), occupation and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 1), and healthcare professional support and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.796). Conclusion: There is a significant association between education, parity, breastfeeding self-efficacy, spousal support, and family support with exclusive breastfeeding. However, no association was found between knowledge, occupation, and healthcare professional support with exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of Kaluku Bodoa Public Health Center, Makassar City.