AUTHOR=Amekpor Felix , Osei-Mensah Christa , Adjieteh Nancy Adjeley , Dok-Yen Esther Nyaapoka , Salamu Memunatu Babariyor 

TITLE=Exploring Psycho-Social Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lived Experiences of First Time Mothers at Salaga Municipal Hospital, Savannah Region in Ghana

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 70 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1607542

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2025.1607542

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Exclusive breastfeeding is an important public health intervention that has been shown to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, as well as improve maternal and child health outcomes.However, many mothers especially first-time mother's face challenges in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months and this can be influenced by various psychological and social factors. This study seeks to explore the psychosocial factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers who attend postnatal clinic at the Salaga Municipal Hospital, savannah region in Ghana. An exploratory study, that employed a qualitative approach.Results from the study showed lactation problems, positioning and pain in the nipple were the stresses mothers faced. family support was found to be crucial in encouraging mothers to practice EBF. The society discouraged EBF practice. The mothers faced several challenges in practicing EBF, including lactation problems, correct positioning of baby to the breast and pain in nipple and back. Family support promotes EBF practice.