<![CDATA[Breastmilk is the main source of nutrition for infants, giving protection through its immunity properties. Indonesian Ministry of Health targeted 80% coverage 6-months-exclusive-breastfeeding. However, it is very difficult to achieve, even the prevalence of exclusive-breastfeeding trends to decline from year to year. In Baturetno Village, Singosari District, Malang Regency, exclusive-breast feeding proportion is 59%. This research is aimed to analyze the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and incidence of diarrhea in children aged 7-23 months. Method: This was analytic-observational study with cross-sectional design. Sixty children aged 7 – 23 months were randomly included. 32 children (53%) were male. Their parent were interviewed based on questionaire about their breastfeeding patterns and last two weeks incidence of diarrhea. Results: The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding was 58.33% and the incidence of diarrhea in last 2 weeks was 31.67%. Chi-Square test result illustrates there was association between breastfeeding patterns and incidence of diarrhea (p=0.004, PR 0.33, 95%CI 0.145-0.748). Based on contingency coefficient, a strong relationship between breastfeeding patterns and the incidence of diarrhea in the last 2 weeks was 0.347 (moderate). Conclusion: There was relationship between breastfeeding patterns and incidence of diarrhea in children aged 7-23 months. Exclusive-breastfeeding children have 67% lower incidence of diarrhea.]]>
