Exclusive Breastfeeding and Psychological Health of Lactating Mothers in Adentan Municipality, Accra

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended globally by the World Health Organization, and this feeding method influences mothers’ psychological health. Hence, the current study investigated the direct influence of breastfeeding self-efficacy and internal health locus of control, on well-being. It also looked at the moderating role of faith in breast milk in the relationship between self-efficacy and well-being, as well as the effects of some demographic variables on internal locus of control and well-being, among breastfeeding mothers in Adentan Municipality, Accra. Breastfeeding experiences and its impact on well-being was also explored. Both quantitative (cross-sectional survey) and qualitative (focus group discussion) data were collected. A sample of 130 exclusive breastfeeding mothers from four health facilities took part in the quantitative study, while 4 focus groups consisting of 8 participants each were used in the qualitative study. Hierarchical Multiple Regression was conducted on the quantitative data. In consonance with the hypotheses, mothers with higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and those with higher internal locos of control had higher psychological well-being (adjusting for various variables) as compaired with mothers with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy and those with lower internal locus of control . The moderating role of maternal age was supported. However, the moderating role of faith in breast milk wasn’t supported. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data and out of that, seven themes were generated. These include negative experiences, positive experiences, causes of negative experiences, causes of positive experiences, coping mechanisms, negative and positive impact of the experiences. The results imply that Clinicians are to consider screening to ascertain the level of these psychological factors among breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, clinicians are to design educational interventions with element of cognitive skills, problem solving and self-efficacy training to equip mothers with skills to overcome any difficulty. Lastly, the breastfeeding policy in Ghana needs to be amended by extending maternity leave beyond 12 weeks. The limitations and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.