A Prospective Study: The Effect of Breastfeeding Patterns to Diarrhea Duration and

Incidence In 3-6 Months of Age Babies

in Klaten District, Central Java
1

Islamy Aesthetica1, M. Juffrie2, and C. Indriani1

Field Epidemiology Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada , 2 RSUP Dr. Sardjito,
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diarrhea is one of health problems in Klaten District. The highest incidence
was occurred under 1 year of age children. Exclusive breastfeeding coverage was below
national standard. There was a tendency of inclination of exclusive breastfeeding duration in
3-6 months of age. In those ages, infants have higher infectious disease incidence. This study
analyzed effects of breastfeeding patterns to incidence and duration of diarrhea in 3-6 months
of age in Klaten District.
Methods: This study was a prospective cohort that took place in four health centers which
piloting program of Kecamatan Sayang Bayi and four others with the lowest coverage of
exclusive breastfeeding. Subjects were pairs of mother and her infant. Observation started
when the infant was 3 months with 13 times observation, once in a week (April-August
2012). Midwives would collect data. Samples were chose by consecutive. Inclusion criteria
such as: 2 months of exclusive breastfeeding, 3 months of age infants and not experienced
malnutrition. Sample size was 133 participants.
Results: Breastfeeding patterns was the most dominant variable that associated with diarrhea
incidence (OR=7,23; 95% CI: 3,00-17,42). Survival time in exclusive breastfeeding group
was better than in non-exclusive (HR=4,36; 95% CI 2,23-8,50). The average of diarrhea
duration in non-exclusive breastfeeding was 1 day longer than exclusive group (p=0,000),
however theres no differences according to age of exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation
(p=0,106).
Conclusions: Breastfeeding pattern effects diarrhea susceptibility in 3-6 months age infants.
It is recommended for health centers to give explanation and guidance about breastfeeding
patterns and babys food especially for babies that almost reach 3 months old.
Keywords: diarrhea, cohort, breastfeeding patterns, exclusive breastfeeding, risk factors