EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION AS AN EFFORT TO OPTIMIZE INFANT GROWTH AGED 0–6 MONTHS IN EARLY STUNTING PREVENTION AT KAMPUNG BUGIS PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER IN 2026

Abstract

Background: Stunting remains a major nutritional problem in Indonesia. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months of life is a key intervention in preventing stunting. Kampung Bugis Primary Health Center, with four assisted sub-districts, has suboptimal EBF coverage, necessitating structured education for pregnant women. Objective: To analyze the effect of exclusive breastfeeding education on knowledge, breastfeeding practices, and infant growth aged 0–6 months as an early stunting prevention strategy. Method: A pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The population consisted of 100 third-trimester pregnant women in the working area of Kampung Bugis Primary Health Center. A sample of 80 participants was taken using proportional stratified random sampling based on four sub-districts. The intervention was structured education using modules, leaflets, and demonstrations. Knowledge data were measured using a questionnaire before and after education. EBF practices and infant growth (weight, length) were monitored until six months of age. Data analysis used paired t-tests and descriptive statistics. Results: The mean knowledge score increased from 57.1 (SD 10.4) to 81.5 (SD 7.8) after education (p<0.001). EBF practice reached 72.5% (58 of 80 infants). Mean birth weight of 2,977 grams increased to 7,066 grams at six months; mean length was 65.6 cm. Stunting prevalence (length-for-age < -2 SD) at six months was 13.8% (11 infants). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding education significantly improved maternal knowledge and encouraged EBF practices. Infants receiving EBF showed better growth and lower stunting rates compared to those not receiving EBF.