Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(4), pp. 1058 - 1065
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130428
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Sociocultural Influences on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in a Watershed Area
Agrina 1, Sri Wahyuni 2, Misrawati 1, Suyanto Suyanto 2,*, Yulia Irvani Dewi 1, Stephanie Dwi Guna 1
1 Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Riau, Indonesia
2 Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and infants. However, many mothers face challenges in exclusively breastfeeding their babies due to various sociocultural factors. This cross-sectional study aims to analyze the influence of sociocultural factors, particularly norms and values on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in a watershed area. A mixed-method approach was used, comprising a quantitative survey of 109 mothers with infants aged 6–24 months and qualitative in-depth interviews with five breastfeeding mothers, dwelling within the working areas of a public health center in Riau, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted in two phases, a quantitative survey and in-depth qualitative interviews. This study utilized a sociocultural questionnaire adopted in full from a previously validated instrument which was designed to assess knowledge, sociocultural norms, and beliefs related to breastfeeding practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, specifically multinomial logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent deductive content analysis. The result of study showed that the majority of mothers were aged 20–35 years (86.2%), multiparous (55%), and housewives (94.5%). Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 55 respondents (50.5%). Quantitative findings revealed that the norm or value factor was the strongest predictor of exclusive breastfeeding practices, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.81 (0.87–9.87, p=0.090) after controlling for knowledge and belief variables, while knowledge and beliefs had a weaker association. Qualitative analysis identified key themes, including maternal motivation, pregnancy-related efforts to support breastfeeding, and expectations for health workers' guidance. These results suggest that both sociocultural norms and individual beliefs shape breastfeeding behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support exclusive breastfeeding in this population. Norms and values significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding practices. Strengthening maternal education and healthcare worker support is crucial to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates in the watershed region.
KEYWORDS
Social Culture, Breastfeeding Practice, Watershed Area
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Agrina , Sri Wahyuni , Misrawati , Suyanto Suyanto , Yulia Irvani Dewi , Stephanie Dwi Guna , "Sociocultural Influences on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in a Watershed Area," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 1058 - 1065, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130428.
(b). APA Format:
Agrina , Sri Wahyuni , Misrawati , Suyanto Suyanto , Yulia Irvani Dewi , Stephanie Dwi Guna (2025). Sociocultural Influences on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in a Watershed Area. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(4), 1058 - 1065. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130428.