Correlates of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Western Region: Insight from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within one hour of birth protects the newborn from acquiring infection and reduces newborn mortality. This notwithstanding there is anecdotal evidence that suggests that in some parts of Ghana, the practice of EIBF is affected by multiple factors which have not been well interrogated. Hence the study assessed the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in the Western Region (WR). Methods: : The study explored the 2014 child file of the Ghana demographic and health survey (GDHS) data. The data was weighted and filtered by region (Western Region) and children 24 months or 0-23 months of age using the SPSS Version 20. A sample size of 257 children was obtained. Results were presented using frequencies, bivariate and binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was pegged at p<0.05 Results: : The findings of this study indicate that maternal, paternal, household and community factors did not predict EIBF. However, initiation of EIBF in WR was predicted by the child and institutional factors. Female( and higher birth order children were less likely to be breastfed within 1 hour. However, average-size children and children whose mothers had high access to healthcare were more likely to be breastfed within 1 hour. Conclusions: : There is a high prevalence of early EIBF in the Western Region (78.2%). Nevertheless, Ghana Health Service must include in child health initiatives early EIBF policies targeting female and higher birth order children.