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

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.