Determinants of Breast Feeding Practice of the Last Born Child Late in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic among Infected Mothers: A Mixed Method Study in Urban Setting of Southern Ethiopia

Background and Objective The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude and determinants of the practice of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) among HIV infected mothers late in HIV epidemic in urban settings of... [ view full abstract ]

Background and Objective
The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude and determinants of the practice of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) among HIV infected mothers late in HIV epidemic in urban settings of Ethiopia.
Methods
We conducted the study from June 01- July 25, 2014 in Hawassa City at Adare Hospital. We interviewed 182 HIV positive mothers having a child born in the last five years using structured questionnaire. In-depth interview was done for another 10 mothers. We used bivariate and multivariable logistic analysis to determine the associated factors with the feeding practice. We triangulated the findings from quantitative and qualitative data.
Results
In the first six months of their last born child, 86.6% & 11.1% mothers practiced an EBF and a mixed feeding, respectively. They had mentioned that failure to be advised on EBF, the thought of” breast milk is inadequate “to their child and the ’dry’ breast, as reasons for the practice of mixed feeding. Mothers who were advised on EBE during anti-natal care (ANC) visits (AOR=0.04: 95%CI 0.01-0.34), in a relationship more than 11 years (AOR=0.13: 95% CI 0.02-0.85) and with an intended pregnancy of the last born child (AOR=0.13: 95% CI 0.03-0.57) found to practice EBF in first six months (Table 1).
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study highlights a significantly high mixed feeding practice among HIV positive mothers having unintended pregnancy of last born child and without advise on EBF during ANC visits. This implies a potential risk of mother to child transmission of HIV. Attending to the standard schedule of ANC visits together with the advice on EBF to HIV positive mothers should be practiced at HIV clinic. Offering the options of family planning at HIV clinic to prevent unintended pregnancies is critical as well.
Keyword: Exclusive breastfeeding, urban setting, HIV, mixed feeding