Variation of continued breastfeeding by age of the child among children aged 12–23 months: evidence from 21 sub-Saharan African countries

In the present study, nearly two-thirds of children aged 12 to 23 months in sub-Saharan African countries continued breastfeeding. Higher odds of continued breastfeeding were reported among older, educated, and married women; working mothers; wealthier households; grand multiparous women; home delivery; attending ANC visits; vaginal delivery; single birth; younger children; male children; long preceding birth interval; urban residence; and mothers from eastern Africa. Therefore, women's empowerment, improving maternal healthcare services, and giving special attention to unmarried and younger women, primiparous women, women with multiple births, mothers with female children, and mothers from rural areas are recommended.