HUBUNGAN PERKEMBANGAN BAYI USIA 0-6 BULAN YANG MENDAPAT ASI EKSKLUSIF DAN YANG TIDAK MENDAPAT ASI EKSKLUSIF DI UPT PUSKESMAS SIMALINGKAR TAHUN 2025

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice for infants aged 0–6 months because it is rich in essential nutrients and immune-boosting substances, which are crucial components for achieving optimal growth and development. The main problem that remains is the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding, which negatively affects the dimensions of infant development, namely physical, motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. The main focus of the study conducted in 2025 was to evaluate the causal relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the development of infants aged 0–6 months at the Simalingkar Community Health Center. This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional approach and involved 82 infants selected using consecutive sampling. Data collection procedures were carried out by interviewing mothers in a structured manner about breastfeeding, while observing infant development using the KPSP. Data testing was performed using the Chi-Square method. According to the results of the study, the largest proportion of infants were 6 months old (24.4%) and female (53.7%). A total of 70.7% of infants received exclusive breastfeeding, while developmental analysis using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP) showed that 56.1% of infants developed according to their age, 29.3% were classified as doubtful, and 14.6% had the potential for developmental abnormalities. The Chi-Square test yielded a p-value of 0.034, indicating a strong association between exclusive breastfeeding and the development of infants aged 0–6 months. The conclusion of this study shows that exclusive breastfeeding plays an important role in supporting the development of infants aged 0–6 months. Infants who receive exclusive breastfeeding show a tendency for better development or development in line with age norms, in contrast to infants who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding.

Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, KPSP, Infant Development.