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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-ND 4.0BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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

  • Emma Annan1
  • Raina Dizoagl1
  • Mary Ani-Amponsah1
  • Evelyn Yeboah1
  • Jacob Owusu Sarfo2
  1. 1University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
  2. 2University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Abstract

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.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{annan2026exploring,
  title = {{Exploring the role of societal support in shaping breastfeeding experiences among mothers of preterm infants in rural Ghana}},
  author = {Emma Annan and Raina Dizoagl and Mary Ani-Amponsah and Evelyn Yeboah and Jacob Owusu Sarfo},
  journal = {BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1186/s12884-026-09751-5},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09751-5},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Exploring the role of societal support in shaping breastfeeding experiences among mothers of preterm infants in rural Ghana
AU  - Emma Annan
AU  - Raina Dizoagl
AU  - Mary Ani-Amponsah
AU  - Evelyn Yeboah
AU  - Jacob Owusu Sarfo
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/31
JO  - BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
DO  - 10.1186/s12884-026-09751-5
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09751-5
AB  - 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.
SN  - 1471-2393
ER  -