Background <p>Breastfeeding is essential for preterm infant survival, but mothers in low-resource settings like rural Ghana face challenges due to cultural beliefs, limited support, and public stigma. Understanding how societal support influences breastfeeding is crucial for improving outcomes.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fifteen mothers of preterm infants were interviewed on admission at the rural Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Jirapa, Ghana, using semi-structured guides. The data were thematically analysed to explore community and societal influences on breastfeeding.</p> Findings <p>Two main themes emerged from the data: community-based support systems and social-cultural influences. Positive influences included peer support groups, flexible work environments, supportive cultural norms, and media awareness. However, stigma and misinformation remained significant barriers.</p> Conclusion <p>Societal support plays a crucial role in promoting and sustaining breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants. Strengthening culturally appropriate, evidence-based support systems and reducing stigma can improve breastfeeding outcomes in rural Ghana.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Exploring the role of societal support in shaping breastfeeding experiences among mothers of preterm infants in rural Ghana

  • Emma Annan,
  • Raina Dizoagl,
  • Mary Ani-Amponsah,
  • Evelyn Yeboah,
  • Jacob Owusu Sarfo

摘要

Background

Breastfeeding is essential for preterm infant survival, but mothers in low-resource settings like rural Ghana face challenges due to cultural beliefs, limited support, and public stigma. Understanding how societal support influences breastfeeding is crucial for improving outcomes.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fifteen mothers of preterm infants were interviewed on admission at the rural Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Jirapa, Ghana, using semi-structured guides. The data were thematically analysed to explore community and societal influences on breastfeeding.

Findings

Two main themes emerged from the data: community-based support systems and social-cultural influences. Positive influences included peer support groups, flexible work environments, supportive cultural norms, and media awareness. However, stigma and misinformation remained significant barriers.

Conclusion

Societal support plays a crucial role in promoting and sustaining breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants. Strengthening culturally appropriate, evidence-based support systems and reducing stigma can improve breastfeeding outcomes in rural Ghana.