Determinants of Early Weaning Among Mothers in Bipemba Urban Health Zone, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background Early weaning remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries because it contributes to child malnutrition, infections, and increased infant mortality. Despite World Health Organization recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, early introduction of complementary foods remains common in many settings. This study aimed to identify the determinants of early weaning among mothers in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 mothers who had at least one child. A multistage probabilistic sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess associations between early weaning and independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants of early weaning. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of early weaning was 60%. Multivariate analysis showed that low education level (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.345–11.292), breastfeeding difficulties (AOR = 120.472; 95% CI: 26.72–543.23), belief that breastfeeding affects breast shape (AOR = 12.072; 95% CI: 3.583–40.667), and stopping breastfeeding during working hours (AOR = 11.703; 95% CI: 3.249–42.152) were independent determinants of early weaning. Conclusion Early weaning in the Bipemba Urban Health Zone is influenced by maternal education, breastfeeding difficulties, sociocultural beliefs, and work-related constraints. Strengthening breastfeeding counseling, supporting working mothers, and addressing sociocultural beliefs could reduce early weaning and improve child health outcomes.