Association of Breastfeeding Practices and Maternal Socioeconomic Status With Child Malnutrition in Cape Coast Metropolis, South-Central Ghana

Abstract

This study assessed the association of maternal socioeconomic status and breastfeeding practices with the rates of malnutrition in South-Central Ghana. This multi-center cross-sectional study used a pretested questionnaire to collect data from 265 children and their mothers from June to October 2024. Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were employed, and p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 20.7%, 11.3%, and 16.6%, respectively. Stunting was higher among children whose mothers had lower educational levels (p=0.001) and among children of mothers aged 25–34 years ( p =0.015). Children of unemployed mothers recorded the highest proportion of stunting (36.7%, p =0.005). Low maternal income was associated with increased stunting (26.9%, p =0.022). Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months showed a lower stunting rate (15.8%, p =0.010). Overall adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices was moderate (69.15%). Malnutrition remains prevalent among children in South-Central Ghana and is associated with maternal socioeconomic status and feeding practices.