Predictors of Breastfeeding Initiation Among Working Muslim Mothers in Central Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

              Breastfeeding initiation is one of the cost-effective way to save millions infant’s life in developing country. The aim of this study is to examine the factors related to breastfeeding initiation among working Muslim mothers in Central Java province, Indonesia. Two hundred and forty mothers in Semarang city, Central Java province, Indonesia were purposively selected. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires comprised of 1) the Personal Characteristics, 2) the Modified Malay-version of Breastfeeding Knowledge, 3) the Modified Family Support, 4) the Intention to Exclusive Breastfeeding, and 5) the Breastfeeding Initiation. The content validity of these questionnaires was examined by five experts. The Kuder Richardson-20 coefficient for the second questionnaire was 0.82. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of the third questionnaire was 0.94. The Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficients of the fourth and fifth questionnaires were 0.99 and 1, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square, and logistic regression.

                The chi square test result revealed that intention to exclusive breastfeeding correlated with breastfeeding initiation significantly (c² = 4.30, p < 0.05). In addition, logistic regression test result showed that intention to exclusive breastfeeding predicted breastfeeding initiation (OR = 1.80, CI 95% = 1.03 – 3.12). Whereas, parity, level of education, occupation, family type, income, breastfeeding knowledge, and family support did not predict breastfeeding initiation. Nurses can promote breastfeeding initiation among working Muslim mothers by enhancing intention to exclusive breastfeeding.