The Correlations of Birth Weight and Breastfeeding on The Prevalence of Pneumonia Amongst Children Aged 0-59 Months in Puskesmas Baloi Permai, Batam, 2019

Abstract

Children aged 0-59 months are among the age groups prone to any rapidly spread infectious diseases with pneumonia being one of them. According to Maryunani (2010), there are a number of risk factors that may contribute the disease to occur especially among infants and young children, such as, below average birth weight, low quality or improper quantity or even the absence of breastfeeding, among others. From the preliminary survey, in the group of children aged 0-59 months, 16 were identified with pneumonia, 14 were within normal range of birth weight, and 12 were breastfed exclusively. This research aims to identify the correlations of birth weight and breastfeeding on the prevalence of pneumonia amongst children aged 0-59 months. The research design employs observational survey with cross-sectional approach. It was conducted in Puskesmas (community clinic) Baloi Permai, Batam, from 17 July to 20 August 2019. The sample population is the families especially mothers carrying their babies or young children to the clinic, involving 113 of them as the respondents. Data collecting technique employs convenience sampling. Data collecting instrument employed is checklist forms for interview and observation on both variables. Data analyzing technique employs chi-square. The findings reveal significant correlations between birth weight and breastfeeding on the prevalence of pneumonia amongst children aged 0-59 months in Puskesmas Baloi Permai, Batam, in 2019. In recommendation, puskesmas as one  of the most accessible frontline units of public health service are expected to improve the quality and the range of their service, for instance, advocating and educating general public about the importance of consuming healthy food during and post pregnancy for mothers and exclusive breastfeeding for the babies, and the necessary steps in preventing the risks of infantile pneumonia.