Family Assistance Significantly Increased the Growth of Infants With Low Birth Weight (LBW) in the Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia

Introduction: Infant mortality is still a global problem, especially in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Infant mortality every year continues to increase and is a problem that must be solved. LBW or low birth weight is a baby’s weight at birth of less than 2500 grams, reportedly contributing to neonatal mortality. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship of mentoring in families who have LBW babies with infant growth and development. Methods:The study population was families with low birth weight babies who were treated in the NICU room at SK Lerik Hospital in Kupang City by as many as 298 people. The research sample was 30 people. Results: For 30 respondents, namely mothers with LBW babies, they were given intervention through assistance for 3 full months, an increase in family knowledge in the good category (86.7%), an increase in family motivation in caring for LBW infants in the good category (100%), and an increase in care actions so that the baby’s body temperature is within normal limits in the good category (86.6%). Conclusion: It is concluded that there is an influence family assistance to increase growth and development in LBW infants. Intensive assistance from health workers to families is very nec�essary. Support from families to mothers can increase knowledge and skills as well as motivation for caring for LBW babies so as to increase the babies’ growth and development optimally