Status of Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Children Born to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive Mothers Attending Public Health Facilities in Western Ethiopia. Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Only about 39% of infants in the developing countries are exclusively breast-fed for the first six months. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women were confused about feeding methods. Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive mothers is sub-optimal in Ethiopia. Hence, we want to identify the main factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding among HIV positive breast-feeding mothers. Main aims of the study were to assess the level and factors influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among children born to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive mothers attending public health facilities in western Ethiopia.Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was carried out from September 2017 to June 30, 2018 among Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive mothers with infants aged 6-23 months. Among public health facilities found in three districts from of West, East and Kellem Wollega Zones; thirteen facilities (i.e. 7 health centers and 6 hospitals) were randomly selected from among proving ART and PMTCT Services. Respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling techniques from these facilities using clients registers as sampling frame. Data were collected using face to face interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered into computers using EPI info Version 3.5.1 and analyzed with SPSS Version 20 for windows. Candidate variables for the final multi-variable model were selected considering P< 0.05 at bivariable analysis. Associations were declared at P< 0.05 by assuming Confidence Intervals did not crossed number ‘1’with corresponding 95%. Results were presented using standard data presentation tools. Results: A total of 218 Human Immune Virus positive mothers were included in this study. Of these, only 122 (56.0%) practiced Exclusive Breast Feeding. The proportion of respondents who initiated Exclusive Breast Feeding within the first hours of delivery were 134 (61.8%). Mean age of the study participants were 28.68 with SD + 4.2. Mothers’ advices on child exclusive breast-feeding [AOR 3, 95% CI (1.2-6.7)], disclosure of HIV status to close friends [AOR 6, 95% CI (1.18-29.64)] and believing HIV can be transmitted during delivery [AOR 5.2, 95% CI (1.10-24.00)] were found to increase the change of exclusive breast-feeding practices among the study participants (P-value < 0.05).Conclusion Slightly more than half of the mothers practiced exclusive breast feeding for the first six months. Care providers should encourage mothers to practice exclusive breast feeding in the first six months and to disclose their test results to their husbands. Efforts should be in place to curb the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during delivery.