Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana
ObjectivesExclusive breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy known to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, and to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. This study explores the psychosocial factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among first-time mothers in Ghana, highlighti...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1607542/full |
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| author | Felix Amekpor Christa Osei-Mensah Nancy Adjeley Adjieteh Esther Nyaapoka Dok-Yen Memunatu Babariyor Salamu |
| author_facet | Felix Amekpor Christa Osei-Mensah Nancy Adjeley Adjieteh Esther Nyaapoka Dok-Yen Memunatu Babariyor Salamu |
| author_sort | Felix Amekpor |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectivesExclusive breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy known to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, and to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. This study explores the psychosocial factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among first-time mothers in Ghana, highlighting the challenges faced by first-time mothers in maintaining EBF for the recommended 6 months.MethodsThe study utilized an exploratory qualitative research design to gain in-depth understanding of first-time mothers’ experiences with EBF, utilizing semi-structured interviews at the Salaga Municipal Hospital postnatal clinic.ResultsThe study found stressors affecting mothers’ exclusive breastfeeding practices, including lactation issues, infant positioning issues, and physical discomfort. Strong family support was found to be crucial for encouraging and sustaining EBF practices.ConclusionPsychosocial factors significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers. Strategies include addressing lactation issues, providing infant positioning education, alleviating physical discomfort, and enhancing family support systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0a02ce0b1d6d47eda5603e2915fb46d1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1661-8564 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-0a02ce0b1d6d47eda5603e2915fb46d12025-01-30T04:11:15ZengFrontiers Media S.A.International Journal of Public Health1661-85642025-01-017010.3389/ijph.2025.16075421607542Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in GhanaFelix Amekpor0Christa Osei-Mensah1Nancy Adjeley Adjieteh2Esther Nyaapoka Dok-Yen3Memunatu Babariyor Salamu4Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, GhanaDepartment of Physician Assistantship Studies, Garden City University College, Kumasi, GhanaCatholic Primary Health Care -Salaga, Bolgatanga, GhanaCatholic Primary Health Care -Salaga, Bolgatanga, GhanaShishegu Community Health Based Planning and Services, Tamale, GhanaObjectivesExclusive breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy known to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, and to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. This study explores the psychosocial factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among first-time mothers in Ghana, highlighting the challenges faced by first-time mothers in maintaining EBF for the recommended 6 months.MethodsThe study utilized an exploratory qualitative research design to gain in-depth understanding of first-time mothers’ experiences with EBF, utilizing semi-structured interviews at the Salaga Municipal Hospital postnatal clinic.ResultsThe study found stressors affecting mothers’ exclusive breastfeeding practices, including lactation issues, infant positioning issues, and physical discomfort. Strong family support was found to be crucial for encouraging and sustaining EBF practices.ConclusionPsychosocial factors significantly influence exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers. Strategies include addressing lactation issues, providing infant positioning education, alleviating physical discomfort, and enhancing family support systems.https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1607542/fullpsychosocialexclusive breastfeedinginfant and young child feedingmothercarelived experiences |
| spellingShingle | Felix Amekpor Christa Osei-Mensah Nancy Adjeley Adjieteh Esther Nyaapoka Dok-Yen Memunatu Babariyor Salamu Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana International Journal of Public Health psychosocial exclusive breastfeeding infant and young child feeding mothercare lived experiences |
| title | Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana |
| title_full | Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana |
| title_short | Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana |
| title_sort | exploring psycho social factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding lived experiences of first time mothers at salaga municipal hospital savannah region in ghana |
| topic | psychosocial exclusive breastfeeding infant and young child feeding mothercare lived experiences |
| url | https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1607542/full |
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