Hubungan Pemberian ASI Eksklusif dengan Infeksi Protozoa Usus Oportunistik pada Balita di Desa Jelbuk Kabupaten Jember

Abstract

Opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections in children under five remain a health problem that may cause diarrhea, malabsorption, and impaired child growth. Exclusive breastfeeding contains various immunological components that contribute to the development of infant intestinal immunity and is therefore presumed to provide protection against intestinal protozoal infections. This study aimed to analyze the association between exclusive breastfeeding and opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections among children under five in Jelbuk Village, Jember Regency. This study used an observational analytic method with a cross-sectional design. A total of 30 children under five were recruited using consecutive sampling. Data regarding the history of exclusive breastfeeding were collected through interviews using questionnaires administered to mothers, while opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections were identified through stool examination using the modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining method. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with Spearman’s rho test. The results showed that 16 children (53.3%) did not receive exclusive breastfeeding, while 14 children (46.7%) received exclusive breastfeeding. Opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections were identified in 4 children (13.3%), consisting of 2 cases of Blastocystis sp. infection and 2 cases of co-infection with Blastocystis sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Bivariate analysis demonstrated no statistically significant association between exclusive breastfeeding and opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections among children under five (p=0,891). In conclusion, there was no association between exclusive breastfeeding and opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections among children under five in Jelbuk Village, Jember Regency.