Factors related to the exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of PHC Poasia, Kendari City

Introduction: Inadequate exclusive breastfeeding is responsible for more than 236,000 child deaths each year and significantly increases the risk of death in infancy and childhood. While the COVID-19 Pandemic continues, this should not be a barrier for breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their babies. This study aims to analyze the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in the working area of the Poasia Health Center, Kendari City. Methods: This cross-sectional study involves 100 participants in the working area of the Poasia Public Health Center, Kendari City. The dependent variable in this study was exclusive breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the independent variables were age, employment status, education level, parity, family support, and support from health workers. Data analysis was carried out in stages, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: The results showed a relationship between parity (p-value = 0.006), family support (p-value = 0.001), and support from health workers (p-value = 0.003) with exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of the Poasia Health Center, Kendari City. At the same time, age (p-value = 0.524), status, occupation (p-value = 0.452), and education level (p-value = 0.708) are not related. The results of multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that family support was most associated with exclusive breastfeeding (Exponent (B) = 8.549). Conclusions: The lower the mother's parity, the more likely she is to give exclusive breastfeeding. Good and maximal family and staff support will stimulate the mother to give exclusive breastfeeding.