Predictors of Intended Infant Feeding Options among HIV Positive Pregnant Women at Health Institutions In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In Sub-Saharan African countries, studies have shown that in the absence of intervention, the rate of mother-to-child transmission is estimated at between 15 and 30% when the infant is not breastfed and can increase to 40% when breastfeeding is practice. World Health Organization recommended that Exclusive Breast-Feeding (EBF) during the first six months of life or Replacement Feeding and the promotion of these practices are crucial in prevention of mother to child transmission of the virus. Nevertheless intended infant feeding options among HIV positive pregnant women was not studied well in our country. Objective: To determine intended infant feeding option and to identify the predictors of intended infant feeding options of HIV positive pregnant mothers. Methods: A cross sectional study supplemented with qualitative data were conducted in randomly selected health institutions with ART and PMTCT facilities in Addis Ababa town during March 15- April 15/2011. A total of 194 HIV positive pregnant mothers who were on PMTCT follow up in the respective health institutions was recruited to assessed for their intention to infant feeding options based on the constructs of theory of planned behavior. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interview with PMTCT service providers and Mothers support group coordinators. The data were entered and analyzed by STATA. Descriptive, multinominal regression analyses were done and the qualitative and quantitative results were triangulated. Result: the study showed that 159(81.12%) of the 196 mothers intend to use Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF); 25(12.76%) intend to use Replacement -Feeding (RF); 12(6.12%) intend to use mixed feeding (MF). In the gross effect of direct and indirect TPB constructs, control belief (weighted) to exclusive breast feed had negative effect on intention to replacement feeding. Conclusion: This study shows that more than one third of the women who participated in this study intended to use EBF which indicates that the recommended feeding option might have the chance to be practiced by most of them. Health institutions and health professionals should develop strategic communication HIV positive pregnant women to increase their behavioral belief and control belief to use EBF in the first six month