Asri C. Adisasmita, Siti Maemun, Wulan Sari, Ritanugraini, Septyana Choirunisa
EBF is one of major factors in child survival, growth and development. Strategies have been done to improve the prevalence of breastfeeding. Several studies examining the role of health education, support from family and peers, and support from health professionals on EBFhas been carried out in Indonesia. In current study, we aimed to explore the role of such strategies on EBF prevalence by reviewing 22 theses (bachelor's and master's) and doctoral dissertations from Faculty of Public Health, University Indonesia.
There were 7 studies that evaluated the effects of mothers being exposed to EBF information from different sources of media. The percentages of mothers being exposed to EBF information through media ranged from 47.5%-85.2%. No indication that being exposed to EBF information through media is associated with EBF practice. There was a significant positive correlation between percentages of mother received support from families and peer for EBF and percentages of practicing EBF (r=0.587, p=0.005). This involved all 22 studies. Evaluation for mother received support from health providers was obtained from 20 studies (12 studies in rural, and 8 in urban settings). Mothers in rural areas were reported to receive higher support from health provider for EBF compared to those reported in urban areas (59.0%-87.7% vs. 48.1%-64.1%, respectively). Positive correlation between percentages of receiving support from health providers and of practicing EBF was found (r=0.504, p=0.028).
We conclude that all strategies were effective to improve EBF practice. Considerations regarding the target of intervention need to be made. For working mothers, family and peer support, and also adequate EBF information seems to be more effective. Current available modes of communication such as twitter, facebook and the like might be well used to share EBF information. Meanwhile, supports from family and health providers would seem to be the best option for housewives.