Breastfeeding Determinants in Bafia Health District (Cameroon): A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant nutrition, yet initiation and duration rates in Cameroon lag behind World Health Organization (WHO) targets.
• Cameroon's early breastfeeding initiation rate is 48% and EBF rate is 40%, falling short of the 50% WHO 2025 goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Cameroon's Bafia Health District.
• To provide evidence for interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in six health facilities.
• Data were collected via structured questionnaires from 422 newborns (≤14 days) for early initiation and 544 infants (6-15 months) for EBF.
• Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine associated factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation was 73.7% and EBF prevalence was 53.9%.
• Factors promoting early initiation included vaginal delivery, maternal pregnancy awareness, and singleton pregnancy.
• Maternal pregnancy awareness, lack of maternal employment, maternal education, and Muslim faith positively influenced continued EBF.

Conclusions:

• While breastfeeding rates in Bafia Health District exceed national averages, they remain below WHO recommendations.
• Interventions focusing on enhancing maternal education and awareness during pregnancy are crucial for boosting early initiation and EBF duration.
• Improving these practices can lead to better infant health outcomes.