The Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding and Preschool Children Obesity in Serang City, Banten

Ita Marlita Sari; Yelza Zahra Nounia

doi:10.55489/njcm.161020255724

Authors

Ita Marlita Sari Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, Serang, Banten, Indonesia
Yelza Zahra Nounia Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, Serang, Banten, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.161020255724

Keywords:

Exclusive breastfeeding, Obesity, Preschool Children

Abstract

Background: Indonesia is currently experiencing a double burden of malnutrition, with a notable rise in childhood obesity. In Banten Province, the prevalence of obesity among children showed a consistent increase from 2016 to 2018. Exclusive breastfeeding has been identified as a potential protective factor against obesity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding history and obesity in children aged 4-6 years.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out involving 134 children from public and private kindergartens in Serang City, selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were gathered through questionnaires and anthropometric assessments, and analyzed with the chi-square test (α=0.05).

Results: The prevalence of obesity was 15.7%, while 81.3% of children had been exclusively breastfed. Children without exclusive breastfeeding were 7.8 times more likely to develop obesity (95% CI: 2.8-21.6; p=0.001).

Conclusion: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding significantly increases the risk of obesity in preschool-aged children. Strengthening exclusive breastfeeding practices and enhancing parental awareness are essential strategies for obesity prevention.

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