Comparative study of breastfeeding attitudes in rural and urban areas of Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose: This study determines the comparison of mothers' attitudes about breastfeeding in rural and urban areas of Sleman Regency.

Methods: This quantitative research uses a comparative descriptive type and cross-sectional design. This research was conducted in January-March 2020 in 10 public health centers in Sleman Regency, selected by cluster random sampling. This research sample is breastfeeding mothers with children aged 1-7 months. Sampling was done using purposive, random, and consecutive sampling, obtaining 420 respondents. Data was collected using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) questionnaire, consisting of 17 statement items. Research analysis using Mann Whitney test, Spearman test, and Eta test.

Results: The breastfeeding attitude score for mothers in rural areas was 60 (min-max 49-72), and in urban areas, the median value was 60 (min-max 45-77). There was no significant difference in the attitude of breastfeeding to mothers in rural areas and urban areas (p=0.769). External variables,  maternal age (p=0.026) and education (p<0.001) had a significant relationship with breastfeeding attitudes (p<0.05). At the same time, parity status (p=0.261), work status (p=0.283), and experience received information on breastfeeding (F=0.345) showed no significant relationship with breastfeeding attitudes.

Conclusion: The attitude of breastfeeding mothers in rural and urban areas is almost the same. There is no significant difference between the areas where they live,  rural and urban areas, with breastfeeding attitudes.