Parental support and exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months in West Java, Indonesia: a mixed-methods approach
Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika1, Fadila Wirawan1, Wawan Gunawan1
1Department of Public Health Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.
Insights
Paternal support significantly impacts exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) success. Low paternal support increases EBF failure rates, highlighting the need for father involvement in breastfeeding education and planning.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in Indonesia are suboptimal.
- Paternal support is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor influencing breastfeeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between paternal support and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) failure in infants at three months of age.
- To identify other predictors of EBF failure.
Main Methods:
- A sequential mixed-methods study involving 225 parent-infant dyads in West Java.
- Quantitative phase: validated questionnaire for paternal support and multivariate binary regression.
- Qualitative phase: in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore barriers and facilitators.
Main Results:
- Over half (52.2%) of infants were not exclusively breastfed at three months.
- Low paternal support was significantly associated with increased EBF failure (aOR, 2.84).
- Other key predictors included low birth weight, negative maternal attitude, lower maternal self-efficacy, and lower maternal education.
Conclusions:
- Paternal support is crucial for achieving and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).
- Involving fathers in EBF planning and education can enhance paternal support and improve EBF outcomes.
- Addressing parental knowledge gaps regarding EBF is essential for effective support.
Background:
The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate in Indonesia is lower than expected. Among the key factors affecting breastfeeding practices, paternal support has been suggested.
Purpose:
To explore the role of paternal support in EBF failure among 3-month-old infants.
Methods:
This sequential mixed-methods study, part of an ongoing cohort study in West Java in early 2022, included 225 infants. The parents of 3-month-old infants were interviewed. Paternal support was assessed using a 15-point validated questionnaire for a total score of 15-60 points. Multivariate binary regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs). The qualitative exploration was based on in-depth interviews (IDIs) and forum group discussions (FGDs) following the quantitative survey.
Results:
Of the 225 infants, 52.2% were no longer EBF. High paternal support (greater than the mean score) of breastfeeding was determined in 52.9% of cases (mean± standard deviation, 38.7±6.7 for the overall population vs. 37.5±6.3 and 40.2±6.8 for infants who were and were not EBF at 3 months of age, respectively). Low paternal support was associated with an increased EBF failure rate (aOR, 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-5.54). Other variables that remained as predictors in the final model were a low birth rate (aOR, 7.35; 95% CI, 1.73-31.20), negative maternal attitude (aOR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.63-6.75), lower self-efficacy (aOR, 4.82; 95% CI, 2.43-9.57), and lower maternal education level (aOR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.03- 8.03). The IDIs and FGD observed the importance of the father's support of the mother and EBF. The qualitative exploration revealed a lack of knowledge about EBF as a parental support barrier.
Conclusion:
Paternal support is important for EBF. Paternal involvement in EBF planning encouraged themother to continue. Plans that include fathers in breastfeeding education may help increase paternal support.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:55Parental Care
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...