THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTHER'S CHARACTERISTICS AND EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN TUAH NEGERI DISTRICT, MUSI RAWAS DISTRICT

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding is carried out from the time the baby is born until the baby is 6 months old. Exclusive breastfeeding coverage for 0-6 months babies in Musi Rawas Regency in 2021 is 54.1%. The low breastfeeding coverage in Musi Rawas Regency is thought to be due to various factors including maternal characteristics, such as age, education, employment, economic status and parity. This study aims to examine the relationship between maternal characteristics (age, education, employment, social status and parity) and exclusive breastfeeding in Tuah Negeri District, Musi Rawas Regency. This research is a descriptive correlation research with a cross-sectional design. The population and research sample were 50 respondents. The sampling technique used was total sampling. The research instrument used a questionnaire which was filled in directly by respondents, who were mothers who had babies aged 0-6 months. This research was carried out in Tuah Negeri District, Musi Rawas Regency. Univariate data analysis was shown in percentages and bivariate analysis were done with Chi Square. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between age (p=0.000), economic status (p=0.023), and parity (p=0.023) with exclusive breastfeeding in Tuah Negeri District, Musi Rawas Regency. Apart from that, it is also known that there is no relationship between education and employment with exclusive breastfeeding in Tuah Negeri District, Musi Rawas Regency. Health workers are expected to provide education on exclusive breastfeeding to all levels of society.

Key words: Age, education, employment, socio-economics, parity, exclusive breastfeeding.