What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to identify factors related to the cessation of breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months.

April 7, 2026Open Access

Factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months in the Bertoua health district, Cameroon

PSProtais Cédric Mouenbori SawiUniversité de Dschang HNHermann Yvon NiakongUniversité de Dschang GDGodfroy Rostant Pokam DjokoUniversité de Dschang

Puntos clave

This study aims to identify factors related to the cessation of breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months.
Cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 405 mothers
Data collection using a structured questionnaire
Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis
Multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with breastfeeding cessation
52.1% of mothers continued breastfeeding, while 47.9% stopped
High education level, lack of awareness about breastfeeding, and home births were linked to stopping breastfeeding
Not breastfeeding on demand and not participating in support groups were identified as significant risk factors
Lack of awareness of online resources also increased the likelihood of cessation

Resumen

Breastfeeding is essential for child health, but many children do not benefit from practices that comply with WHO recommendations. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with breastfeeding cessation in children aged 6 to 24 months in the health district of Bertoua, Cameroon. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 405 mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months in the Bertoua health district, Cameroon. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis. Factors associated with continued breastfeeding were identified using multiple logistic regression. The study included 405 mothers of children aged between 6 and 24 months, of whom 60.49% were aged between 12 and 24 months, and 54.32% were girls. Only 52.1% of the mothers reported continuing to breastfeed, while 47.9% had stopped. Multivariate analysis revealed several significant factors associated with stopping breastfeeding: a high level of education (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.41–4.31; p = 0.046), lack of awareness of the recommended age for exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 9.42, 95% CI 1.92–5.27; p = 0.003), and lack of perception of the mother-infant bond (AOR = 12.7, 95% CI 4.04–47.57; p < 0.001) increased this risk. Similarly, not breastfeeding on demand (AOR = 6.60, p < 0.001), not participating in support groups (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI 2.11–9.49; p < 0.001), having given birth at home (AOR = 6.25, 95% CI 2.38–18.33; p < 0.001) and considering breastfeeding up to two years of age as not beneficial (AOR = 5.90, 95% CI 1.77–23.71; p < 0.001) are risk factors. Finally, lack of awareness of online breastfeeding resources (AOR = 7.40, 95% CI 3.05–19.42; p < 0.001) also contributed to this trend. This study reveals that breastfeeding remains insufficient in the Bertoua health district, with only half of mothers continuing the practice. To improve the situation, it is essential to correct misconceptions, raise awareness of exclusive breastfeeding, and promote breastfeeding on demand. Community support and access to reliable resources, including digital ones, are major levers for increasing breastfeeding rates and improving child health in the region.

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