Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Study at the Bono Regional Hospital, Sunyani, Ghana

Optimal nutrition plays a key role in the survival and overall health outcome of young children. This study sought to assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and maternal socio-demographic factors and health-seeking behaviours affecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Child Welfare Clinic of the Bono Regional Hospital, Sunyani, Ghana. Two hundred and forty-five (245) mothers with 6-23 months old infants pairs were recruited for the study through convenience sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze the data. All infants (245) in the study had been breastfed at some point in time. Approximately, 5 in 10 infants (54.3%) were introduced to breast milk within the first hour of birth. EBF rate was 49.4%. More than 7 in 10 children (75.5%) were predominantly breastfed in their first 6 months of life. Eight in 10 infants (80.8%) were being fed complementary foods. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, maternal age and health education/counselling on EBF significantly predicted EBF practices. Mothers aged 35-49 years were more likely to practise EBF compared to those aged 15-24 years (AOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24, 0.92). Also, mothers who received education/counselling on EBF during antenatal care were more likely to practise EBF than those who did not (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.29, 5.53). The rate of EBF is below the World Health Assembly approved target for 2025 (≥ 50%), suggesting a need for intervention.