Determinants of Breastfeeding Practices of Working Mothers in Accra. Ghana

Abstract

Optimal breastfeeding practices ensure adequate nutrients for growth, development, and protection of infant and young child. However, some mothers are unable to breastfeed their children as recommended due to their work. In light of this, the study sought to describe the determinants of breastfeeding practices of working mothers with children 4-23 months in Accra. A cross-sectional design, utilizing a quantitative approach was used to sample 400 working mothers of children 4-23 months and 24 health workers in two sub-metropolitan areas in Accra, Ayawasu West and Okaikoi North. A three-stage sampling procedure was used for the purpose of this study. Simple random sampling techniques was used to select the two study areas and the ten day care centers (crèches). Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents from the school registers. All Health care providers working in Child Welfare Clinic were purposively selected. A Structured questionnaire was used. Variables were described using frequencies, charts and tables. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between breastfeeding practice and mother’s demographic variables and workplace factors. The dataset was analyzed with a Stata version 12. The result indicates that, only 58.7% mothers initiated breastfeeding within one hour after birth, whiles 30.8% gave pre lacteal feeds to their infants. Colostrum was consumed by 85.8% infants. More than 89%, started complementary feeding earlier than the recommended age of 6 months. Eighty six percent introduced first water to their child between the ages of 4 to 6 months. More than 74% of mother’s had their workload reduced after maternity leave. Nursery facilities were available at only 28.6% workplaces. Almost 95% do not have workplace breastfeeding policies. Duration of maternity leave is a key determinant of breastfeeding practice and was significantly associated with breastfeeding practice (P<0.001). Only 45.8% providers had received in-service trainings on breastfeeding after school. Majority of mothers 94.9% received counselling on breastfeeding. Only 17% of the mothers were visited at home by health workers. Finally, type of occupation of mothers (p=0.004) and the duration of maternity leave (P<0.001) were found to be key determinants that associated significantly with duration of exclusive breastfeeding practices of working mothers. Currently, workplace support and current maternity leave duration does not enable a working mother to practice optimal breastfeeding. Hence, it is therefore, recommended that all stakeholders play their roles in ensuring adequate workplace support for the breastfeeding working mothers.