A Phenomenological Study of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among the Banjar Ethnic Community in the Working Area of Karang Intan 1 Community Health Center

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Published: Jul 3, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55885/jchp.v6i2.1026
Keywords:
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Phenomenology, Banjar Tribe, Social Ecology, Transcultural Nursing

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Anila Iliani
Master of Public Health Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5326-4337
Herawati
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6579-7554
Hardyan Sauqi
Department of Obstery and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2270-292X
Adi Nugroho
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6717-5740
Nelly Al Audhah
Department of Mycrobiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0347-7640

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Indonesia remains below the national target of 80%. In the service area of Karang Intan 1 Community Health Center, the coverage was only 17.3%, contributing to the high prevalence of stunting. This study aimed to explore the experiences of exclusive breastfeeding among the Banjar tribe from socio-ecological and cultural perspectives. A qualitative study with a phenomenological design was conducted involving 27 participants, including breastfeeding mothers, husbands, family members, traditional and religious leaders, and health workers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically using Bronfenbrenner’s Social Ecology Theory and Leininger’s Sunrise Model. The findings showed that exclusive breastfeeding practices are influenced by interactions among family, community, and cultural environments. Support from husbands and parents was essential but often conflicted with traditional practices, such as pre-lactation feeding and postpartum dietary restrictions. Community health cadres and local leaders strengthened social support, while adapting the local Bedadah tradition promoted acceptance of breastfeeding messages. However, formula milk promotion remained a major barrier. The study concludes that exclusive breastfeeding among the Banjar tribe is shaped by the interaction of cultural beliefs, family support, and community influences. Improving breastfeeding outcomes requires culturally sensitive health education, active involvement of family and community leaders, and reinforcement of local cultural values that encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

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Iliani, A., Herawati, H., Sauqi, H., Nugroho, A., & Al Audhah, N. (2026). A Phenomenological Study of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among the Banjar Ethnic Community in the Working Area of Karang Intan 1 Community Health Center. Journal of Community Health Provision, 6(2), 469-477. https://doi.org/10.55885/jchp.v6i2.1026
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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Community Health Provision
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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