The Effect Of Breastfeeding Patterns On The Costs Of Diarrhea Disease: A Case Study Of Bekasi City

Abstract

Diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age in developing countries, including Indonesia. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life has been shown to have benefits in preventing various infectious diseases, including diarrhea, by strengthening the immune system. This study aims to analyze the effect of exclusive breastfeeding on reducing the cost of diarrhea treatment in toddlers in Bekasi City. The method used is a quantitative and qualitative approach with logistic regression analysis and household sanitation observation. The results showed that toddlers who were exclusively breastfed had a lower incidence of diarrhea and cheaper treatment costs compared to those who were not exclusively breastfed. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding also reduces indirect costs, such as loss of parental work time. Overall, exclusive breastfeeding can reduce the cost of diarrhea treatment, provide significant health benefits, and contribute to national health care cost savings. Therefore, policies to increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding are very important to reduce the economic burden and improve the health of children in Indonesia.