Effect of Group Antenatal Care on Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices Among Pregnant Women in Ghana: Findings from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Theresa Norpeli Lanyo (), John Williams, Bidisha Ghosh, Veronica E. A. Apetorgbor, Vida A. Kukula, Ruth Zielinski, Elizabeth Awini, Cheryl Moyer and Jody R. Lori
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Theresa Norpeli Lanyo: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2003, USA
John Williams: Dodowa Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa AZ820, Greater Accra, Ghana
Bidisha Ghosh: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2003, USA
Veronica E. A. Apetorgbor: Dodowa Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa AZ820, Greater Accra, Ghana
Vida A. Kukula: Dodowa Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa AZ820, Greater Accra, Ghana
Ruth Zielinski: Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, 2054 1111 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2054, USA
Elizabeth Awini: Dodowa Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa AZ820, Greater Accra, Ghana
Cheryl Moyer: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2003, USA
Jody R. Lori: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2003, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-11

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth to ensure child health and survival. Antenatal care provides an opportunity to educate pregnant women on optimal breastfeeding practices. A cluster-randomized control trial in Ghana examined the impact of group antenatal care on breastfeeding knowledge and practice. The study enrolled 1761 pregnant women from 14 health facilities in Ghana. The intervention group ( n = 877) received eight group sessions, while the control group ( n = 884) received individual, routine care. Data were collected at baseline and post intervention. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to examine categorical data, while odds ratios were calculated using separate logistic regression models to examine differences between the intervention and control groups over time. Women enrolled in group antenatal care had higher odds of following WHO recommendations to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.1, 6.3) and waiting to introduce solid food until six months of age (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5, 6.9). Our results found that women who participated in group antenatal care were more likely to follow the recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding developed by the WHO.

Keywords: breastfeeding; group antenatal care; maternal healthcare; child survival (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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