Hubungan Antara Indeks Massa Tubuh Pra-Maternal Dengan Menyusui Eksklusif Di Puskesmas Ritaebang Kab. Flores Timur

Abstrak

The coverage of exclusive breastfeeding at Puskesmas Ritaebang from January to August 2024 was still relatively low, at 46.4%, with various maternal factors suspected to influence it, one of which is pre-maternal Body Mass Index (BMI). This study aimed to determine the relationship between pre-maternal BMI and exclusive breastfeeding.This study employed a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 77 mothers with children aged 6 months to 1 year, selected using a purposive sampling technique. The research was conducted at Puskesmas Ritaebang from November to December 2024. Data collection was carried out over two days in accordance with the integrated health post (posyandu) schedule, starting on December 9, 2024. Data were obtained through maternal and infant records as well as questionnaires, and were analyzed using the Chi-square statistical test.The results showed that the majority of respondents were aged 25–34 years (53.2%), had higher education (63.6%), were employed (50.6%), had a history of delivering healthy infants (53.2%), and had a pre-maternal BMI classified as underweight (51.9%). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was only 40.3%. The Chi-square test results indicated a statistically significant relationship between pre-maternal BMI and exclusive breastfeeding (p-value = 0.000).Economic factors, geographical conditions, access to health services, cultural influences, and local practices also contributed to the low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding. In conclusion, pre-maternal BMI is significantly associated with the success of exclusive breastfeeding; therefore, maternal nutritional status before pregnancy requires greater attention