Factors influencing breastfeeding beyond one year by HIV positive mothers attending mother baby care point clinic. Case study: Mubende Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background: It is a requirement that HIV-positive mothers don‟t breastfeed their babies beyond one year of age. However, in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, some HIV positive mothers don‟t heed this recommendation and instead continue breastfeeding their babies beyond one year. Objective: This study was conducted among 101 HIV-positive mothers attending the mother-baby care point at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital to explore individual, socio cultural and health related factors influencing breastfeeding beyond one year by HIV positive mothers attending mother baby care point in mubende regional referral hospital. Methodology: A descriptive and an analytical cross sectional study design used for the assessment. Data was collected using interviews and focused group discussions, using interviewer-administered questionnaires and interview guides respectively. Results: Slightly more than a half, 52(51.5%) of study participants were aged 25 – 34 years, 48(47.5%) had primary level education, 55(54.5%), and were Peasant farmers, 53(52.5%). Majority, 82(81.2%) were aware about mother-to-child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding, and 52(51.5%) were aware about increased through breastfeeding beyond. On statistical analysis, the individual factors that were found to be influencing HIV-positive mothers to breastfeed their babies beyond one year were occupation (p = 0.004), income (p = 0.023), disclosure of HIV serostatus (p = 0.02), and age of the child (p = 0.014). The only socio-cultural factor influencing HIV-positive mothers breastfeeding their babies for beyond one year was stigma (p = 0.04), and the only health service-related factor was constant supplies of ARVs (p = 0.03). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study findings that HIV-positive mothers shall continue breastfeeding their babies beyond one year provided their individual, socio-cultural, as well health facility factors that lead to that are not addressed. Recommendation: Health workers together with local leaders should improve and or design new awareness approaches aimed at tracking stigma targeted at HIV mothers who want to feed their HIV exposed babies safely.