Affryta Nur Fauzia Analda
Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia
Title: Relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status of infants aged 12-24 months
Biography
Biography: Affryta Nur Fauzia Analda
Abstract
Relation between breast-feeding duration and childrens nutritional status is still a controversy. Positive as well as negative relations were shown. Exclusive breastfeeding has a high nutrient content to fulfill the nutritional needs of infants aged 0 months. The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional status of infants aged 12-24 months and to determine the relationship of exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status of infants aged 12-24 months and support this current issue on breast feeding duration and nutritional status of children aged 12-24 months in Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat (Puskesmas) Gajahan, Surakarta. A cross sectional study was conducted with 100 propositional stratified random coupled samples (mothers and weaned children) with inclusion criteria: Normal birth weight, full-term delivery and no physical and psychological problems. Data from children were measured using seca digital weight scale, wooden length board, while data from mothers were collected through 1×24 hours food recall form and a questionnaire on mothers knowledge. The average of breastfeeding duration was 14 months. The prevalence of malnutrition was quite low (<10%), but the prevalence of stunting was high enough (22.3%) while wasting was moderately high (10.2%). Breastfeeding duration was significantly associated to childrens nutritional status (height for age index and weight for height index). The highest correlation was found in height for age index (r=0.403). Regression model revealed that breastfeeding duration, exclusive breastfeeding, diarrhea, working mother, mothers knowledge, energy intake and protein intake were independently associated with childrens nutritional status. As this study found that the average of breastfeeding duration was 14 months and there was a significant association between exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status of infants aged 12-24 months old, thus these findings strengthen the recommendation of WHO to continue breast feeding up to 2 years old.