Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among White-Collar and Blue-Collar Workers in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective Working status is identified as a major risk factor of poor breastfeeding practices among workers. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and factors associated to breastfeeding practice among white-collar and blue-collar workers in Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in two factories and three government offices in Jakarta from December 2012 to February 2013. Subjects were female workers whose children aged 6 months to 24 years old and actively working in the factory and/or office. The factors studied were selected socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, score on knowledge and attitude and breastfeeding practice during working hours. Results From a total of 192 subjects, 73% of white-collar workers had good knowledge on breastfeeding, in contrast with 55% of blue-collar workers who had not good of breastfeeding knowledge (P<0.001). Most of the subjects were conducting breast pumping during working hours, however 15% of white-collar worker and 17% of blue-collar worker were never breastfeed nor breast pumping at work. Working status (P=0.005) and knowledge (P=0.002) were factors associated with breastfeeding practice among workers. Conclusion White-collar workers have a better knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breastfeeding. Knowledge improvement related to breastfeeding benefits and supports to working mothers are key priority, however advocacy to employers, manager, and supervisor in providing breastfeeding facilitations and programs support were also critical to successful breastfeeding practice among workers.

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