📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
Background: Despite well-documented benefits, exclusive breastfeeding cessation before six months is prevalent among urban working mothers in Nigeria, driven by occupational, structural, and socio-cultural factors. Existing studies have insufficiently examined the intersecting determinants in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital. Aim: This study analysed the determinants of premature exclusive breastfeeding cessation among working mothers in Lagos Metropolis. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design recruited 220 working mothers from Lagos Island and Mainland local government areas using multi-stage sampling. Validated tools including the Infant Feeding Questionnaire and Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale were used. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of cessation. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding cessation before six months was recorded in 63% of participants. Work resumption before 12 weeks, absence of workplace lactation facilities, and inadequate maternal leave were the strongest independent predictors. Social support and antenatal education were protective. Conclusion: Workplace structural factors are major modifiable determinants of early breastfeeding cessation. Findings support advocacy for legislative maternity leave extension, lactation room mandates in Lagos workplaces, and integrated breastfeeding support in occupational health nursing practice. Keywords: exclusive breastfeeding, working mothers, cessation, Lagos, occupational health.
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