Exclusive breastfeeding and its associated factors among children aged 0–5 months in Sierra Leone: a multilevel analysis

The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly for infants aged 2-5 months, where the odds are significantly lower. There is also a critical need to enhance postnatal care and education for mothers, especially those with skilled birth attendance, to ensure they receive adequate support for breastfeeding practices. Furthermore, leveraging the strengths observed in rural areas could inform community-based strategies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches that address the unique challenges faced by urban mothers.