Abstract
CONTEXT: Breastfeeding is essential for the health and survival of infants, with WHO and UNICEF recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by complementary feeding for up to 2 years. However, breastfeeding rates remain a cause for concern, particularly in Cameroon, where various socio-economic and cultural factors influence mothers' behavior. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study was conducted in the Bertoua Health District between April and June 2024. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was used to recruit 405 consenting participants out of 532 approached (participation rate: 70.68%). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, designed by the Cameroon Pediatric Association, which assessed target mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding continued breastfeeding. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, using a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results revealed that 70.21% of women demonstrated poor knowledge of breastfeeding, 60% held negative attitudes, and 50.62% engaged in poor breastfeeding practices. Notably, being single or in a common-law relationship, as well as holding a negative attitude, significantly increased the likelihood of poor knowledge. Furthermore, both unfavorable attitudes and poor practices were more prevalent among women who reported having no religion or identified as Christian. Thus, two key sociodemographic predictors consistently associated with suboptimal outcomes were marital status and religious affiliation. Specifically, single mothers and those without a religious affiliation or those identifying as Christian were more likely to exhibit unfavorable attitudes and lower levels of knowledge regarding continued breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve mothers' knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding. Educational programs adapted to socio-economic realities are essential to promote favorable breastfeeding practices and improve infant health in Bertoua.