Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers at Tamale West Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as the primary nutritional requirement for the first six months of an infant’s life. However, various factors may influence whether mothers practice EBF effectively. The goal of this study is to evaluate the knowledge level, constraints, and maternal factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices among nursing mothers attending postnatal care at a tertiary teaching hospital in Ghana-West Africa. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing mothers at Tamale West Hospital, Ghana. Using Cochran’s formula, 382 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with STATA. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed at a 5% significance level. Results: Mothers reported several constraints, notably insufficient breastmilk production (M = 4.82, SD = 3.43), cracked or sore nipples (M = 4.03, SD = 3.12), and shyness when breastfeeding in public (M = 3.61, SD = 3.01). Constraint scores did not differ significantly between exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding groups. Maternal age (χ² = 237.71; p < 0.001), educational status (χ² = 294.90; p < 0.022), employment status (χ² = 301.26; p < 0.000), parity (χ² = 404.37; p < 0.020), and mode of delivery (χ² = 298.45; p < 0.003) were significantly associated with EBF practices. Conclusion: Nursing mothers generally have good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding yet face multiple constraints that can hinder its practice. Addressing these barriers and considering maternal factors such as age, education, and employment status are essential to improving exclusive breastfeeding rates and ensuring optimal infant nutrition.