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Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Accra, Ghana

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 789–796 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To assess factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) in Accra, Ghana.

Design, subjects, setting:

Data on current and past infant feeding patterns, sociodemographic, biomedical and biocultural factors were collected using a cross-sectional design, from a sample of 376 women with infants 0–6 months, attending maternal and child health (MCH) clinics in Accra. EBF was defined in two ways: (a) based on a 24-h recall, and (b) based on a recall of liquids or foods given since birth.

Results:

Although 99.7% of mothers were currently breastfeeding (BF), only half (51.6%) of them EBF their infants. About 98% of participants had heard about EBF, and 85.6% of them planned to EBF on delivery. Based on ‘since birth’ EBF, planned EBF on delivery was associated with higher likelihood of EBF (OR=2.56; 95% CI, 1.06–6.17) and delivery at a hospital/polyclinic was associated with a two times higher likelihood of EBF (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.08–3.54). Women living in their own houses were more likely to EBF (OR=3.96; 95% CI, 1.02–15.49) than those living in rented accommodations and family houses. Those with a more positive attitude towards EBF were more likely to EBF (OR=2.0; 95% CI, 1.11–3.57) than their counterparts with more negative attitudes. The ‘24-h recall’ EBF model yielded similar results.

Conclusion:

In this population, EBF was associated with delivery at hospital/polyclinic, having secondary school education, intention to EBF prior to delivery, owning a home and having a positive attitude to EBF.

Sponsorship:

Funded by a University of Connecticut Research Foundation grant awarded to Dr Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, and the LINKAGES program, Accra, Ghana.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, 3624 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, U-17, Storrs, CT, USA

    B A Aidam & R Pérez-Escamilla

  2. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    A Lartey & J Aidam

Authors
  1. B A Aidam
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  2. R Pérez-Escamilla
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  3. A Lartey
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  4. J Aidam
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to B A Aidam.

Additional information

Contributors: BAA was responsible for all aspects of study coordination, protocol development, staff training and report writing. She also participated in proposal writing, obtaining supplemental funds, recruiting, data collection and analysis. RP-E was responsible for proposal writing and obtaining funds for the project. He was involved in protocol development, content validity assessment, data analysis and report writing. AL provided collaboration from the University of Ghana, obtained permission from the health institutions used and was also involved in content analysis, study coordination and report writing. JA was involved with selection of MCH clinics, study coordination, recruitment, data collection, entry and cleaning.

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Aidam, B., Pérez-Escamilla, R., Lartey, A. et al. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Accra, Ghana. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 789–796 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602144

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