Factors that Influence Exclusive Breastfeeding in Ghana

Abstract

Factors that determine exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana are important, especially in line with recommendation by WHO/UNICEF. The difference between WHO/UNICEF recommendations of 90% and the level of coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana (45%) is wide. The study examines exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age as recommended by WHO/UNICEF. It also determines possible factors that influence the progress of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana, to inform possible strategies for improvement. Secondary data from Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (2008) in a cross sectional study was analysed for the last-born babies ever breastfed, delivered 5 years preceding the survey. Univariate analyses were done on the background characteristics of the respondents, using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate, chi-square and logistic regression model was used to analyse socio-demographic characteristics. The study revealed that prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana in 2008 was 80 percent. Variations exist at the regional level. Ashanti had the highest proportion of 19 percent and Upper West had the least proportion of 3 percent. Factors that significantly influenced exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana included ethnicity, region of residence, marital status, type of delivery, religion and initiation of breastfeeding. Other factors that show association with exclusive breastfeeding in the bivariate analysis but not in the regression are age of child, number of antenatal attendance, timing of antenatal visits and place of delivery. There is the need to equip existing health facilities with breastfeeding packages, and provide new ones close to where people live, to provide services to mothers to enable them initiate breastfeeding immediately after delivery.