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 (SD = 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 (aRR = 6.54; 95% CI [1.77–24.22]; p =.005); lack of support from family to breastfeed exclusively (aRR = 2.41; 95% CI [1.23–4.71]; p =.010), outside pressure to provide other food to the baby < 6 months postpartum (aRR = 1.87; 95% CI [1.01–3.46]; p =.045), and living in an urban area (aRR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.17-3.75]; p =.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.