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Background: In Ghana, only 52% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies and the rate of increase has been steadily slow across all geographical areas of Ghana. The purpose of this study was to determine the various factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who visited the child welfare clinic at the Tema General Hospital.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Child Welfare Clinic of the Tema General Hospital. A random sampling technique was used to recruit mothers with children between the ages of 6 months and 24 months attending the Child Welfare Clinic. Mothers were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire.Results: About 65.8 % of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants for six months. Mothers who had good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding had 96.3% increased odds of exclusively breastfeeding their babies (COR: 0.037, p = 0.000, CI = 95%). Also, mothers whose spouses complained of exclusively breastfeeding had decreased odds (COR: 0.205, p = 0.000, CI = 95%). Finally, mothers who had poor attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding were 8.733 times less likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months (COR = 8.733, p = 0.000, CI = 95%).Conclusions: High rate of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who visited the child welfare clinic was found. The level of knowledge and attitude of the mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding significantly influenced the six months practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Spouses also showed a high influence on whether or not mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies. |
