International Journal of Health Science
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2025): November : International Journal of Health

The Relationship Between the Frequency of Infant Massage and the Increase in Body Weight of Infants Aged 6–18 Months at Ralla Community Health Center, Barru Regency

Rizky Auliah Juniarti (Universitas Islam Makassar)
Fitratunnisah Fitratunnisah (Universitas Islam Makassar)
Aminah Ali (Universitas Islam Makassar)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Infant growth and development can be monitored through anthropometric measurements, particularly body weight. Infants with low birth weight (LBW) (< 2500 grams) are at risk of growth disorders. One form of stimulation that can promote infant weight gain is infant massage. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the frequency of infant massage and the increase in body weight of infants aged 6–18 months at Ralla Community Health Center, Barru Regency. This was a quantitative study with a retrospective design. Resulting in 27 infant respondents. The results showed that most respondents received infant massage frequently (88.9%), and 24 infants experienced weight gain (88.9%). Fisher’s Exact test yielded a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant relationship between the frequency of infant massage and the increase in body weight of infants aged 6–18 months at Ralla Community Health Center. This study recommends that parents routinely practice infant massage to optimize infant growth and development, and encourages further research on other factors influencing infant body weight.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhs

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Health Science, This journal publishes articles on practice, theory, and research in all areas of health, including: Surgical Medical Practice, Pharmacy, Maternity, Child Health, Mental Health, Public Health, Dental, Medical Education, Midwifery, Medicine and Nursing, Health ...