Factors Associated With The Failure Of Exclusive Breastfeeding

Abstract

The exclusive breastfeeding coverage rate remains below the national target of 80%, despite breast milk playing a crucial role in the growth and development of infants aged 0–6 months. Several cases of failure in providing exclusive breastfeeding occur due to various factors. This study identified factors correlated with the failure of exclusive breastfeeding. The research used an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population included all breastfeeding mothers at Bandarharjo Public Health Center, Semarang, with a sample of 40 respondents selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with the chi-square test. The results showed that psychological factors had a significance value of 0.000 (<0.005), husband’s support had a value of 0.001 (<0.005), and maternal knowledge had a value of 0.000 (<0.005). Among these, psychological factors had the highest significance (0.000 < 0.005). The study concluded that maternal psychological condition, husband’s support, and maternal knowledge were significantly associated with the failure of exclusive breastfeeding, with psychological factors being the most influential