Sociodemographic Correlates of Breast Feeding in Ghana

Document Type

Article

Authors

Yaw Oheneba-Sakyi, Potsdam College
Baffour K. Takyi, State University New York

Abstract

This study utilizes data from the Ghana Fertility Survey (GFS) (1979-1980) to investigate breast feeding in Ghana and the factors that affect it. Using life table procedures, we found evidence that, when other factors are held constant, older cohorts, women with no schooling, those who work in the agricultural sector, those affiliated with traditional Ghanaian religions, Mole-Dagbanis, rural residents, residents of the Volta, Brong-Ahafo, northern, and upper regions, and low-parity women show longer durations of breast feeding. It is recommended that, along with other fertility reduction measures, prolonged breast feeding among all Ghanaian mothers should be encouraged to help reduce conception and to ensure healthy children.

Recommended Citation

Oheneba-Sakyi, Yaw and Takyi, Baffour K. (1991) "Sociodemographic Correlates of Breast Feeding in Ghana," Human Biology: Vol. 63: Iss. 3, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol63/iss3/9