Higher likelihood of 6-months exclusive breastfeeding among HIV infected than uninfected mothers: a household survey in Kenya

Abstract

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) (breast milk feeding without additional food or drink, except medicine) is associated with deceased risk of postnatal transmission of HIV from mother to child.MethodsThis analysis used data from a household survey in Western Kenya in 2011. Participants were mothers with HIV and uninfected mothers, aged ≥14 years who gave birth in the prior year (ever breastfed) within the Kenya Medical Research Institute/US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KEMRI/CDC) Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Data on breastfeeding counseling and knowledge and practices regarding breastfeeding were collected. Rates and correlates of EBF were determined using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf 652 mothers enrolled in the study, 435 were included in this analysis. Median age was 28 years among 154 mothers with HIV and 25 years among 281 uninfected mothers. Mothers with HIV were more likely than uninfected mothers to report breastfeeding counseling at a health facility (88.9% vs. 51.6%, respectively, p < 0.001) and EBF for 6-months (64.9% versus 34.5%, p < 0.001). Premastication (pre-chewing of food by adults prior to feeding to children) was less prevalent among mothers with HIV (3.9% vs. 13.2% p = 0.001) who were also more knowledgeable about potential risk of HIV transmission through premastication (83.1% vs 71.2% p = 0.005). Mothers with HIV who EBF for six months were 3.68-fold more likely to report counseling on EBF (aOR 3.68; 95% CI: 1.00,13.70). Uninfected mothers with polygamous marriage, any antenatal care visit, unskilled delivery and delayed breastfeeding initiation (> 1 h) were less likely to practice EBF for six months 62% (aOR 0.38; 95%CI: 0.20,0.94), 72% (aOR 0.28; 95%CI: 0.10,1.00), 54% (aOR 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22,1.00) and 46% (aOR 0.54; 95%CI: 0.30,1.00) respectively.ConclusionsMothers with HIV were more likely to report breastfeeding counseling at a health facility, EBF for six months and less likely to practice premastication than uninfected mothers. Lessons learned from breastfeeding counseling in mothers with HIV could be used to improve awareness and change breastfeeding practices for all mothers.

Stunting and Associated Factors among Under-Five-Age Children in West Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

“…is study result agreed with Kenya [27]. e polygamous marriage is commonly practiced in the study area and may favor a child to undernutrition and stunting among under-five children.…”

Women’s Autonomy in Infant Feeding Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study in Nairobi, Kenya

“…Being HIV-positive resulted in two facilitators: it gave women access to extensive health services including the program intervention in the parent trial (intensive EBF counseling), and it motivated women to avoid HIV transmission to infants,which was not the case for HIV-positive women. This has also been seen in other studies conducted in Kenya and reporting that EBF is more common among HIV-positive women compared to HIV-negative women (Oiye et al 2017;Okanda et al 2018). Previous studies have reported that male attendance to clinic improves infant HIV-free survival (Aluisio et al 2016;Alusio et al 2011).…”

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Lactating Women in the Shebedino District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

“…This finding is supported by similar study previously done in Kenya. 24 A more likely explanation might be most women are economically dependent on their husbands and cannot afford the cost of well-nourished and dietary diversity unless they get support from their husbands. In addition, the husband could be so busy to contribute equally to his wives.…”