Culture of Breast Feeding and Infant Food in The Central Mountainous Region of Papua : Ethnographic Studies of The Lanis People
Arih Diyaning Intiasari

Public Heath Departement
Faculty of Health Sciences
Jenderal Soedirman University

Abstract

Background: The high number of infant and Baliita mortality in the Tolikara district is influenced by many factors, such as the social culture factor of society. The cultural expanse of archipelago affects human habits and behaviors in society and maintains the health of their bodies. The sharpening, foster and compassionate pattern of the society in the socioanthropological approach of culture has an effect on the feeding culture of breast milk and escort foods in infants.
Aim:. Describing the cultural phenomenon of BREAST-feeding and escort food in the Lani ethnic community and its effect on child health
Method: The research method in this research is a qualitative approach with ethnography. Researchers mingle with the Lani ethnic community in the mountainous Papua region within 40 days
Result: Research finds some poor habits in the provision of breast MILK and accompaniment of breastfeeding in the Lani ethnicity. The cultural disposal of colostrum, unique food processing and the wrong peoples assumption on the identification of food needs in infants has become several findings that can affect the degree of health of infants and toddlers in the mountainous region of central Papua
Conclusion: Need education with a socio-cultural approach to develop good habits in the pattern of training, and foster in the community of young people in the central mountainous region of Papua
Recommendations: Counseling and culture-based intervention with increasing participation of local food sources need to be developed to support the efforts to increase the health of children in Papua

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Papua, Health anthropology

Topic: Public Health