Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to develop a participatory health cadre model to enhance exclusive breastfeeding coverage through initial stages using the Imogene King model. METHODS: This study employs a mixed-methods approach with sequential exploratory designs. Qualitative research utilized in-depth interviews with informants including the head of the community health center, nutrition officers from the health center, the coordinator of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) midwives, village midwives, breastfeeding mothers, families of breastfeeding mothers, and health cadres. Quantitative research respondents consist of health cadres. The quantitative study utilizes a quasi-experimental method with a design paradigm known as the one-group pre and post-test design to measure health cadre perception on exclusive breastfeeding. RESULTS: This study yields elements from Imogene King that form a participatory health cadre model to enhance exclusive breastfeeding coverage, consisting of interaction, perception, communication, transaction, role, growth and development, time, and space. Transactions represent the objective integration of the health cadre participation model, as demonstrated by the behavioral shifts observed in mothers regarding breastfeeding their infants. The t-test results indicate that exclusive breastfeeding monitoring training is effective and successful in enhancing exclusive breastfeeding coverage (Sig. value = 0.000 < 0.05). In addition, the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding monitoring training falls within the category of good or high. CONCLUSION: The research findings indicate the success of the participatory health cadre model in improving exclusive breastfeeding coverage.