Development exclusive breastfeeding for six months with respect to lactating mothers affected by lung Tuberculosis and the impact of nutritional status of their infants

Keywords: development of exclusive breastfeed, Tuberculosis, infant nutritional status

Hanim, Diffah; Lestari, Anik; Abidin, Zainal*)

LPPM UNS, Penelitian, DP2M, Hibah Kompetitif Penelitian Sesuai Prioritas Nasional, 2009

In 2002 WHO revised its recommendation on a longer exclusive breastfeeding from 4-6 months to 6 months for all mothers including those who are affected by a tropical disease such as lung Tuberculosis (lung TB). In Indonesia the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months has faced some obstacles, particularly with respect to lactating mothers affected by lung TB, due the fear for an infection to their infants. As a result the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding remained low (20-25%). This study aimed to examine the leverage capacity of lactating mothers with lung TB in providing exclusive breastfeeding for six months. It was an experimental study with nutritional education to lactating mothers as the intervention. The outcome variables under study included the comparison of the quality of breast milk between mothers with lung TB and healthy mothers, supplementary food for breast milk in families of mothers with lung TB, lactation management (frequency and duration of breastfeeding) for mothers with lung TB, nutritional and health status of mothers and their infants, and the effect of formulated milk’s promotion. The comparison of the outcome variables between healthy mothers and mothers with lung TB was carried out by t-test. ANOVA was used to analyze the promoting or inhibiting factors in the development of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in mothers with lung TB before and after the intervention. The results showed a statistically significant difference in body weight and body length of infants at birth between mothers with lung TB and health mothers (p<0.001). However, after the infants had reached 4-6 months of age, the difference in body weight was not statistically significant, while the difference in body length remained statistically significant (p<0.001). Furthermore, it appeared that the difference in the breast-feeding pattern was not statistically significant betwee healthy mothers and mothers with lung TB (p=0.495). The important factors supporting the success of exclusive breastfeeding provision rested on family and mothers’ initiative, instead of midwife, nurse, or medical doctor factor. This study concluded that the development of exclusive breastfeeding from four month to six month among mothers with lung TB has shown to have a positive impact on ifant nutritional and health status, although on average breast milk can be produced as early as day 2. The formulation of strategies for the development of exclusive breastfeeding should include the promotion on safe exclusive breastfeeding for mothers with any condition, including those affected by a tropical disease such as lung TB.