Faktor–Faktor yang Memengaruhi Pemberian Asi Dua Tahun pada Balita di Kota Medan Tahun 2025

Abstract

Breastfeeding until the age of two years is very important in supporting the optimal growth and development of children, as well as being part of strategic efforts to reduce stunting rates and improve the nutritional status of toddlers. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the practice of breastfeeding in toddlers aged 24–36 months in Medan City in 2025. This study was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach, involving 319 mother is selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Univariate analysis results showed that 59.6% of mothers breastfed until two years of age, while 40.4% did not. Bivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between mothers' knowledge about two-year breastfeeding (p<0.001), previous breastfeeding experience (p=0.002), and support from friends and community (p<0.001) with the practice of two-year breastfeeding. Multivariate analysis showed that mothers' knowledge was the most dominant factor (p<0.001; OR=3.253; 95%CI:1.994–5.307). Mothers with insufficient knowledge, no breastfeeding experience, and no community support had a 92.1% chance of not successfully breastfeeding until the age of two years. Other factors, such as perceptions of tradition, economic status, maternal employment status, family support, and health worker support, did not show significant associations. The results of this study emphasized the importance of educational interventions to improve maternal literacy and strengthen non-family social support. Thus, breastfeeding promotion programs in Medan City are recommended to focus on improving maternal knowledge and strengthening community networks as key strategies to support the success of long-term breastfeeding practices