Assessment of the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Adherence to Exclusive Breast Feeding among HIV Positive Mothers in Selected Health Institution of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has the potential to significantly reduce infant
mortality, but is frequently not practiced in low-income settings where infants are vulnerable to
malnutrition and infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Objective: This study is intended to assess factors influencing adherence to exclusively breast
feeding (EBF) among HIV positive mothers, in selected health institutions of Addis Ababa.
Methods: Facility based cross-sectional, study design supplemented by qualitative method was
conducted among 384 HIV positive mothers drawn from purposively selected 3 hospitals and 10
health centers with ART and PMTCT service in Addis Ababa City from Jan 1to Feb30, 2012.
Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and entered into a computer and
analyzed in SPSS software version 16.
Results: The prevalence of EBF adherence and non adherence were (73.0%) and (27.0%)respectively. Among mothers who did not adhere to EBF, the commonest reasons mentioned
were family opposition (44.0%) and (19.0%)due to infant illness. The major predictors for EBF
adherence included ANC follow up four or more times (AOR=1.89; 95%CI=1.05-3.43), had
negative attitude towards EBF (AOR=0.32; 95%CI=0.16-0.63) and maternal illnesses
(AOR=0.27; 95%CI=0.14-0.53).
Conclusions and recommendations: Although the majority of mothers adhered to
exclusively breast feeding, still more actions are needed. Therefore, it is recommended to
strengthen and widen the MSG (mother support group)in each health facility that focuses on the
importance of ANC follow-up. Other important actions are to change the negative attitude of
mothers towards EBF through BCC and furthermore advise mothers to get a timely treatment
whenever they experience illness.
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Keywords
Exclusive breastfeeding adherence, factors influencing exclusive breast feeding adherence