BackgroundWe determined prevalence of pertussis infection and its associated host and environmental factors to generate information that would guide strategies for disease control.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 449 children aged 3 months to 12 years with persistent cough lasting ≥14 days were enrolled and evaluated for pertussis using DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA serology tests.ResultsPertussis prevalence was 67 (15% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 12–18)) and 81 (20% (95% CI: 16–24)) by PCR and ELISA, respectively among 449 participating children. The prevalence was highest in children with >59 months of age despite high vaccination coverage of 94% in this age group. Study demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between pertussis and non-pertussis cases. Of the 449 children, 133 (30%) had a coughing household member and 316 (70%) did not. Among 133 children that had a coughing household member, sex of child, sharing bed with a coughing household member and having a coughing individual in the neighborhood were factors associated with pertussis. Children that had shared a bed with a coughing household individual had seven-fold likelihood of having pertussis compared to children that did not (odds ratio (OR) 7.16 (95% CI: 1.24–41.44)). Among the 316 children that did not have a coughing household member, age <23 months, having or contact with a coughing individual in neighborhood, a residence with one room, and having a caretaker with >40 years of age were the factors associated with pertussis. Age <23months was three times more likely to be associated with pertussis compared to age 24–59 months (OR 2.97 (95% CI: 1.07–8.28)).ConclusionFindings suggest high prevalence of pertussis among children with persistent cough at a health facility and it was marked in children >59 months of age, suggesting the possibility of waning immunity. The factors associated with pertussis varied by presence or absence of a coughing household member.

This study assessed the infant feeding practices and their determinants among HIV positive mothers with infants (0-12 months).A cross sectional study design adopting qualitative and quantitative data collection procedures was used. This study was carried out from Awach Health Center IV in Gulu city, Uganda. We enrolled 108 adult participants who were HIV positive mothers with an infant from October to December 2021. Semi structured questionnaire and FGD guide were used in data collection. Data was collected, edited, coded and entered into Epi info. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Qualitative data was analysed using Atlas.ti software.Of the 108 mothers, 83/108 (77%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding while 25/108 (23%) practiced mixed feeding. Qualitative results also showed that exclusive breastfeeding was the preferred choice. Majority of the respondents 104/108 (96.3%) believed HIV can be transmitted to their babies. Factors associated with infant feeding practices at multivariant level analysis at 5% significance were age of the child (OR=0.706, 95% CI: 0.2100.988), income level (OR=1.296, 95% CI: 1.150-10.631).Majority of mothers had good knowledge about prevention of mother to child transmission.Mothers should deliver from hospitals, more sensitizations for these mothers to appreciate the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Background World Health Organisation recommends mothers with Human Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months and there after introduce complimentary feeding up to one year. This study assessed the infant feeding practices and their determinants among HIV positive mothers with infants 0–12 months. Methodology: A cross sectional study design adopting qualitative and quantitative data collection procedures was used. Study was carried out from Awach Health Center IV in Gulu city, Uganda. We enrolled 108 participants who were HIV positive mothers with an infant from October to December 2021. It was simple random sampling for collecting quantitative data using an interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire. Two Focuss Group Discussions (FGDs) and 5 Key informants interviews (KII) were used to obtain qualitative data. Data was collected edited coded and entered into epi info. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Qualitative data was analysed using Atlas.ti software. Results Of the 108 mothers, 83/108 (77%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding, 25/108 (23%) mixed feeding. Qualitative results also showed that exclusive breastfeeding was the preferred choice. Of the respondents 104/108 (96.3%) believed HIV can be transmitted to their babies. Factors associated with infant feeding practices at multivariant level at 5% significance were age of the child (OR = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.2100.988), income level (OR = 1.296, 95% CI: 1.150-10.631), knowledge on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (OR = 16, 95% CI: 3.618–34.18), Early infant diagnosis clinic visits (OR = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.019–0.704) and the place of delivery (OR = 1.976, 95% CI: 1.295–13.233). Conclusion Majority of the mothers practiced Exclusive breastfeeding, although a high number still practice mixed feeding. Majority of mothers had good knowledge about prevention of mother to child transmission. The factors identified in our study that influence infant feeding practices were Early infant diagnosis clinic visits, age of the child, place of delivery, knowledge on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission. Mothers should deliver from hospitals, more sensitizations for these mothers to appreciate the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.