Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with infants attending C.W.C at Berekum Holy Family Hospital in Berekum East Municipality in the Bono Region of Ghana

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with infants attending C.W.C at Berekum Holy Family Hospital in Berekum East Municipality in the Bono region of Ghana.Basic design of the study: The study adopted a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach.Sampling technique: This research project utilizes simple random sampling method for recruiting mothers with infants for this study.Data collection tool: The study adopted questionnaire as the data collection method.Results: The survey involved 50 participants, primarily between the ages of 18 to 24 (50.0%), with a mean age of 25.8 years + 5.5 (SD). Among the respondents, the majority (68.0%) were married. In terms of occupational sources, the "Semi-skilled" category had the highest representation at 38.0%, followed by the "Skilled" category with 22.0% of the respondents.For religious denominations, Pentecostals were the largest group among Christians, accounting for 36%, followed by Protestants at 18%. Muslims represented 26% of the respondents. Regarding educational levels, the majority of respondents fell into the "Primary/JHS" category at 48%. In terms of ethnicity, 48% of the respondents identified as Akan. Gender-wise in infants, girls outnumbered boys, with a ratio of 58% to 42%. Infants aged 0-2.5 months constituted 70.0% of the entire sample. When determining the proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants, the results showed that the majority (68.0%) breastfed their babies during both day and night before the day of the interview. Additionally, 96.0% of the babies were not fed breast milk using a spoon, cup, bottle, or by another woman, and 56.0% of the babies did not receive any other food besides breastfeeding on the day before the interview.Regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices, 60% of mothers were successful in this practice. This success was influenced by various socio-demographic factors, including older ages of mothers (80.0%), married mothers (76.5%), skilled workers (81.8%), professional workers (80.0%) and Other government workers (100.0%), highest educational level/Tertiary(71.4%), and lower ages of infants (68.6%). Socio-cultural factors, such as relying on midwives or nurses for information (78.0%), belonging to community groups/associations that promote breastfeeding (50.0%) and cultural support for exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0-6 months (90.0%).In terms of attitudes, the majority of participants believed that exclusive breastfeeding for six months was good 92.0%, 78.0% indicated is not difficult, 94.0% felt confident in breastfeeding their babies, 46.0% did not feel confident in expressing or storing breast milk for others to feed their babies and 64.0% did not think it was good for infants to be fed formula from birth up to six months.Conclusions: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding among patients at HFH in the Berekum East Municipality is not meeting the desired standards. These findings highlight the intricate interplay of socio-demographic and socio-cultural factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding practices and offer valuable insights for the promotion and support of infant health and nutrition within the surveyed population. To address this issue, healthcare professionals should increase awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits. Additionally, healthcare providers should help mothers develop their confidence by teaching them proper techniques for expressing breast milk, storing it, and introducing cup or spoon feeding as needed.