Project Materials

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF INFANT FEEDING OPTIONS AMONG HIV POSITIVE MOTHERS ATTENDING HEALTH FACILITIES

ABSTRACT

The survey looked at the factors that influence the choice of infant feeding alternatives among HIV-positive women who visit health facilities in Ogoja, Cross River State. The study sought to evaluate the factors that influence HIV positive mothers’ choice of newborn feeding options in Ogoja, Cross River State. The study was guided by four objectives and four research questions. Literature was reviewed. The study’s population consisted of all HIV positive moms who visited health institutions in Ogoja between January and December of 2011–2013, for a total of 136 registered mothers. There was no sampling because the entire population was included in the study. The data gathering tool consisted of a two-section questionnaire. Section A included eight items about socio-demographic factors. Section B consisted of a 10-item rating scale of Yes and No. The data was analysed by chi-square statistics. The study found that HIV positive mothers’ choice of infant feeding options was significantly influenced by marital status (x2 = 20.924, p<.00), religious status (x2 = 14.972, p<.05), maternal health condition (x2 = 12.436, p<.02), limited time to breastfeed due to work (x2 = 11.065, p<.04), and baby refusal to take breast milk (x2 = 18.318, p<.000). Major findings show that marital status, religious status, maternal health condition, restricted time to breastfeed the baby due to work, and the baby’s refusal to drink breast milk all had a major impact on infant feeding alternatives. Based on the findings, HIV positive mothers should be sensitised by HIV/PMTCT counsellors on the various infant feeding alternatives.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic health condition whose symptoms might show anywhere from months to years. HIV is found in all known populations in the world, including embryonic (unborn) and breastfed infants.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2011), more than eleven million people have died as a result of AIDS, while another 3.6 million are already infected with HIV, with a daily infection rate of over 16,000 people worldwide.

Anyebe, Whisky, Ajayi, Garba, Ochigbo, and Lawal (2011) discovered that by 2002, 42 million persons worldwide had been infected with HIV/AIDS, with 38.6 million adults and 19.2 million women.

More than 3 million children under the age of 15 were infected worldwide during the same period, with approximately 5 million new infections detected per year. Almost two-thirds of these are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Globally, an estimated 600,000 children are infected vertically (in utero) each year, while in regions where women do not breastfeed, the majority of transmission happens during labour and delivery.

In Nigeria, where most women breastfeed, there is an added risk. In 2003, around 800,000 newborns and children were infected out of 5.8 million, with 90% becoming infected through their mothers at three levels: antepartum, intrapartum, and breastfeeding (Okon, 2011).

There is presently no cure for HIV, but the most significant intervention appears to be maternal-to-child transmission prevention (PMTCT) (Family Health International, 2004).

According to Ajayi, Hellandendu, and Odekunle (2011) of the American International Health Alliance (AIHA, 2008), there is no cure for HIV, but there is prevention of vertical transmission of HIV to include voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), ante-retroviral therapy, elective caesarean section;

replacement of infant feed or modified breastfeeding, and restrictive use of invasive procedures such as artificial rupture of membrane (ARM), episiotomies, and cleansing of the birth canal.

Sadoh, Adeniran, and Abhulimhen-Iyohas (2008) believe that exclusive breastfeeding is the best approach for HIV-infected mothers in the first six months of life, followed by replacement feeding.