EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AMONG NURSES WORKING IN THE UPPER WEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF GHANA

Health workers are in general the first advocate of health benefits and are regarded as role models in whatever they teach especially when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices. This study sought to find out the current breastfeeding practices of nurses (mothers) in the Upper West Regional Hospital. The study used a descriptive survey design involving 80 female health workers of the Wa Regional Hospital with a child aged more than 6 months. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents. The study found out that majority of the respondents practiced exclusive breastfeeding. This means that majority of the female nurses working at the Wa Regional Hospital practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The study also found out that majority of the respondents' current feeding practice is breast milk with formula and they also used more than one (1) week in doing exclusive breastfeeding. The study found out that the level of maternal education, social class, mother’s comfort in breastfeeding, father’s occupation, religion, and hospital-related (obstetric and pediatric) factors inform mother’s decision to initiate and continue exclusive breastfeeding. It emerged from the study that the attitudes of mothers regarding breastfeeding, mother-infant bonding, mode of delivery, and family support are also important in initiation and sustaining breastfeeding. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service workers especially female nurses working in the Wa Regional Hospital shouldeducate females who are mothers in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding practices. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service should empower health care providers (females) with skill and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding practices and to initiate campaign on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding through social and developments women groups.Keywords: Breastfeeding Practices, Nurses, Upper West, Regional Hospital, Ghana