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Background: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provides optimal nutrition, strengthens immunity, and protects infants against infections. However, gaps in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices may contribute to malnutrition in early childhood.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding on the nutritional status of infants (0-24months) attending the Child Welfare and Nutrition Clinic at Achimota Hospital in the Okaikwei North Municipality, Greater Accra.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 mother-infant pairs between October 1 and 31,2024. Data on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices were collected using the WHO IYCF questionnaire and a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height/length), head circumference, and MUAC were taken to assess nutritional status using standard procedures.
Key findings: High compliance with recommended breastfeeding practices was observed: 80.4% of the infants were exclusively breastfed, 94% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and 98.4% continued breastfeeding after introducing solid food. Complementary feeding was introduced on time in 80.4% of cases. About 30.8% of the infants were underweight, 50.8% were stunted, 34% were wasted, and 33.6% were microcephalic. Exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding were significantly associated with better weight for height (p=0.02) and weight-for-age (p=0.013) outcomes. Maternal education and employment status strongly influenced breastfeeding practices.
Implication: Exclusive breastfeeding combined with timely complementary feeding is associated to infant nutritional outcomes, and malnutrition remains a concern. Strengthening maternal education and workplace support for breastfeeding could enhance adherence and address gaps in infants.
Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, Complementary feeding, infant nutrition, maternal factors, Ghana