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Factors Affecting Optimal Breastfeeding Among Health Workers in Ghana

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in Discover Public Health explores the prevalence and factors associated with optimal breastfeeding among health workers in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Investigators from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study in four hospitals, involving 180 female health workers. The study found that while most health workers initiated breastfeeding within one hour after delivery, nearly half did not practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months. The study also identified cesarean section delivery as a significant predictor of lower odds of initiating breastfeeding within one hour after birth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 180 female health workers from four hospitals in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana.
  • Most (73%) health workers initiated breastfeeding within one hour after delivery, but nearly half (49%) did not practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
  • Cesarean section delivery was associated with lower odds of initiating breastfeeding within one hour after birth, with an odds ratio of 0.10 (95% CI 0.05, 0.23, p < 0.001).
  • Health workers experience work-related barriers and limited social support when breastfeeding after delivery.
  • Policies should address these barriers to encourage optimal breastfeeding among health workers.
  • Emmanuel Dubure and Reginald Adjetey Annan are the lead authors of the study, which was published in Discover Public Health.

Statistics:

  • 180 female health workers participated in the study.
  • 73% of health workers initiated breastfeeding within one hour after delivery.
  • 49% of health workers did not practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
  • Cesarean section delivery was associated with lower odds of initiating breastfeeding within one hour after birth, with an odds ratio of 0.10 (95% CI 0.05, 0.23, p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Researchers Provide New Data on Cesarean Section (Factors affecting optimal breastfeeding among health workers in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. September 1, 2025; p 323.
  • Dubure, E., & Annan, R. A. (2025). Factors affecting optimal breastfeeding among health workers in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Discover Public Health, 22(1), 1-13.
  • Springer. Discover Public Health. [Free version available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00774-5]

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