Knowledge and Attitude on Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 Months

Abstract

This research was descriptive research which aimed to study knowledge and attitude on breastfeeding for 6 months. The subject consisted of 514 postpartum mothers with children aged 1-12 months living in Health Service Area 10. Sample size was calculated using Taro Yamene and multi-stage random sampling. The instrument used was a questionnaire and all items had an index of the reliability of the instrument was 0.91 Data were analyzed using computer programs to find frequencies, percentages, averages, and standard deviations. The results found that mothers after giving birth had an average age of 29 years. Most of them were found to have marital status (83.46%), high school education/vocational certificate (35.60%), general contract occupation (22.71%). The average length of employment was 5.59 ye ars, i nco me le ss than 15,000 b aht (56.42%), e xte nd e d fami li e s (fath e r - mother/children/grandparents/relatives) (73.54%), and most of them had medical treatment with a gold card (58.95%). The average number of children was 1.59, had enough milk to feed the children (76.26%). Knowledge was at a high level (99.81%) and attitude was also at a high level ( X =4.47, S.D.=0.26). Suggestions for using research results to determine guidelines or find patterns for exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was that there should be a clear policy to promote exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. In addition, it was important to continuously provide information and create media about the benefits of breast milk and expand it to families, communities, as well as employers and entrepreneurs to be aware of the benefits of breast milk. These things will lead to correct behavior in raising children with breast milk effectively.