TITLE:
Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration at Six Months among Working Mothers in the Greater Lomé Region
AUTHORS:
Ounoo Elom Takassi, Ouro-Bagna Tchagbele, Mawouto Fiawoo, Kokou Agbékogni Réné Ségbedji, Foli Agbéko, Abla Emefa Amouzou, Nadiedjoa Kokou Douti, Komi Deladem Azoumah, Koffi Edem Djadou
KEYWORDS:
Breastfeeding, Work, Practice, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.5,
September
18,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Breast milk is the best food for the nutritional needs of newborns and infants. The study aims to determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding for six months among working mothers. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted from 17 January to 30 June 2022 in five health facilities in Greater Lomé. The socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and breastfeeding practices were studied. Results: 415 mother-infant pairs participated in the study. The average age of the mothers was 29.33 ± 5.88 years. Among the surveyed mothers, 98.55% were well informed about exclusive breastfeeding. About 51.81% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or longer included secondary and university education (p = 0.022), multiparity (p = 0.009), marital status (married) (p = 0.005), vaginal delivery (p = 0.016), occupation (p = 0.015), mother’s age (p = 0.048), number of hours worked per day by the mother (p = 0.000), infant’s age at return to work (p = 0.048), gestational age (p = 0.001), mode of delivery (p = 0.016), and male sex (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Work influences exclusive breastfeeding among women. Better organisation of services with designated breastfeeding rooms would help to further promote breastfeeding among working women in the country.