Abstract:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING STATUS AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION (ARI) IN INFANTS AGED 6-11 MONTHS IN THE WORKING AREA OF PURWADADI PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER, CIAMIS REGENCY
FATIMAH NIM. 1520125216
ABSTRACT
Background: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in infants, with a prevalence that remains high both in Indonesia and in Ciamis Regency. In 2025, Purwadadi Public Health Center in Ciamis Regency recorded 90 cases of ARI, while the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in the area only reached 77.4%, still below the national target. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding status and the incidence of ARI in infants aged 6-11 months. Methods: This was a quantitative study using an analytical observational design with a retrospective approach. The study population consisted of all infants aged 6-11 months in the working area of Purwadadi Public Health Center based on monthly report data from January to December 2025, totaling 137 infants. The sample was taken using a total sampling technique, comprising 137 infants. Data on exclusive breastfeeding status and ARI incidence were obtained from the health center's monthly reports using a checklist sheet. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test at a 95% confidence level. Results: Most infants received exclusive breastfeeding (51.1%) and did not experience ARI (52.6%). Of the 70 infants who received exclusive breastfeeding, most did not experience ARI (71.4%), whereas of the 67 infants who did not receive exclusive breastfeeding, most experienced ARI (67.2%). The Chi-Square test result showed a Pearson Chi-Square value of 20.448 with a p-value < 0.001 (p < 0.05), and an Odds Ratio of 0.196 (95% CI: 0.095–0.405). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding status and the incidence of ARI in infants aged 6-11 months in the working area of Purwadadi Public Health Center, Ciamis Regency.
Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Infant, ARI
