Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Breastfeeding Mothers In Koforidua Municipality
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Date
2022-03
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University Of Ghana
Abstract
ABSTRACT
About 595,379 children die globally as a result of not being breastfed every year. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding of babies is low worldwide. Globally 43% of infants are breastfed exclusively whereas 37% and 36% in developing countries and sub-Sahara Africa, respectively. In Ghana, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding has declined from 52% in 2014 to 43% in 2018. Understanding the factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is critical to developing appropriate strategies to promote the practice. Hence, this study aims to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Koforidua municipality since there are no recorded documents on this.
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study. A total of 348 mothers with at least 6 months old babies were recruited for this study from May to June 2022, and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression model with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Analysis of the results showed that 93.4% of mothers were aware of exclusive breastfeeding. Yet,
only 42.2% of them practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The factors associated with compliance of exclusive breastfeeding in Koforidua were educational level, monthly income and the place of birth of the youngest child. Mothers who earned above 500 Ghana cedis monthly had reduced odds of exclusive breastfeeding (AOR=0.28; 95% Cl=0.08 - 0.92; p= 0.035). Mothers who disagreed that expressed breastmilk maintained its health benefits were 96% less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (AOR=0.04; 95% Cl = 0.01 - 0.22; p < 0.001). Furthermore, mothers who
recommend exclusive breastfeeding to their colleagues were 42.92 times more likely to practice it (AOR = 42.92; 95% cl = 4.32 - 426.31; p= 0.001). Also, respondents who did not know where to get help for breastfeeding issues had 74% less likelihood of practicing exclusive breastfeeding (AOR =0.26; 95% Cl = 0.11 - 0.62; p = 0.002). The factors which showed significant association with exclusive breastfeeding include; income (p = 0.005), educational level (p < 0.001) and place of birth of youngest child, i.e., institutional delivery (p = 0.006).
Conclusion of the study was that less than half of breastfeeding mothers in Koforidua practiced exclusive breastfeeding even though almost all of them were aware of it.
Since the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding is low in Koforidua (42.2%), the health professionals in the municipality need to intensify their education of mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, especially at ANC and pediatric department in all hospitals. This can be done through videos, music and fliers on exclusive breastfeeding. The municipality can partner with stakeholders such as chiefs, assembly men, pastors and imams to use their platform as an information medium and also to make public places such as churches and mosques baby friendly to encourage mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Community centers can be created where mothers can easily have access to health professionals for all their questions surrounding breastfeeding. Support groups for working class women who are breastfeeding must be created to encourage each other.
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Keywords
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Koforidua Municipality