Evaluating the prevalence of early weaning of children and its determinants among maternal attendees at Remera Health Center, Kigali, Rwanda, 2023: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: While breast milk is vital in fostering infant growth and diminishing the risk of illnesses, global exclusive breastfeeding rates stand at 45.7%. Early weaning remains a persistent issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Consequently, this study was formulated to evaluate the prevalence of early weaning and its influencing factors among mothers seeking care at the Remera Medicalized Health Center.METHOD: A cross-sectional investigation encompassed 370 randomly chosen breastfeeding mothers who underwent data collection via a structured questionnaire.RESULTS: In the cohort of 370 participants, this study unveiled that 97.8% (n=362) concurred on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, yet only 73.8% (n=263) adhered to this practice. Notably, 26% (n=97) initiated early weaning. Breastfeeding challenges were reported by 51.6% (n=191) of participants, with 21.6% (n=80) facing issues of low milk supply and 8.1% (n=30) experiencing child refusal to breastfeed. Furthermore, 90.8% (n=336) demonstrated awareness of the consequences of early weaning, and 33.5% (n=124) acknowledged agreement with all the potential repercussions. Among mothers who practiced early weaning, 29.9% (n=29) did so at 4 months, 25.9% (n=25) at 5 months, 21.6% (n=21) at 3 months, and 11.3% (n=11) at 1 and 2 months. Reasons for early weaning included  tight schedules (43.3%, n=42) and the baby's hunger (36.1%, n=35). Additionally, 77.6% (n=287) concurred that the choice of early weaning should ultimately be the mother's decision.CONCLUSION: The primary factors influencing mothers' adoption of early weaning were predominantly their demanding schedules, which encompassed both work and studies, as well as the baby's heightened need for food owing to hunger.