Discontinuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Ghana: A Longitudinal, One-Group Observational Study of Postnatal Mothers With Children 0-6 Months old.

BACKGROUND

Although exclusive breastfeeding of infants has several benefits, in Ghana only 52% of children under 6 months old are breastfed exclusively. However, researchers have not conducted longitudinal observational studies to examine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation and determine risk factors.

RESEARCH AIMS

(1) To determine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation, and (2) to examine those factors linked to discontinued exclusive breastfeeding.

METHODS

A longitudinal, one-group observational study was conducted. A total of 322 mothers who had normal and full-term delivery at a district level referral hospital from January to December 2017 were recruited, followed-up every month, and subsequently interviewed after 6 months postpartum. Data were collected using validated questionnaires. Binary and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were the statistical analytical methods used.

RESULTS

Respondents' mean age was 29.78 years ( = 5.20). Among the 322 mothers who initiated breastfeeding with human milk at birth, 108 (34%) discontinued exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum. After controlling for possible covariates, attending antenatal care 4 or less times during pregnancy ( = 6.54; 95% [1.77-24.22]; = .005); lack of support from family to breastfeed exclusively ( = 2.41; 95% [1.23-4.71]; = .010), outside pressure to provide other food to the baby < 6 months postpartum ( = 1.87; 95% [1.01-3.46]; = .045), and living in an urban area ( = 2.10; 95% [1.17-3.75]; = .013) significantly increased the risks of discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Universal exclusive breastfeeding may not be achieved without tackling the key determinants of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Health facility and community-based exclusive breastfeeding promotion interventions are therefore needed.