Infant-feeding practices of HIV-positive mothers in the south west region of Cameroon
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Medical Science - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is of great importance, because vertical transmission, including breastfeeding, accounts for the majority of pediatric HIV infections. Appropriate infant feeding methods which are affordable, feasible, acceptable, safe and sustainable are therefore crucial to the healthy HIV-free survival of HIV exposed infants. This study aimed at determining the proportions of mothers practising the various feeding methods, determining the various factors influencing these feeding methods, and ascertaining the relationship between these factors and the chosen feeding modes. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out from April 2012 to July 2012; using structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and ten HIV positive mothers attending infant welfare clinics. Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) was found to be the predominant mode of feeding chosen (70%), followed by Replacement Feeding (RF) and Mixed Feeding (MF), each representing 15%. EBF and RF practices were highly influenced by mother’s personal choice and secondly, the Health Care Provider (HCP). Choosing EBF during Antenatal Care (ANC) and being married were the main predictors of EBF. RF was associated with disclosure of HIV status to partner. MF commonly resulted from ignorance, financial difficulties and fear of stigmatization. Predictors of MF included maternal age ≤25, having an unemployed partner, non-disclosure of HIV status to family, attending ANC at Health Centre, choosing RF during ANC, and not receiving Anti-retroviral drugs during pregnancy. EBF was the most common mode of feeding, as most mothers stuck to their informed safe choices, despite the fact that good feeding practices were being challenged by social stigma. To discourage unsafe feeding practices, much needs to be done to fight stigmatization amongst HIV-infected mothers, which includes encouraging them to disclose their HIV statuses to close family partner(s), while encouraging comprehensive antenatal care.
Authors and Affiliations
P. Nde-Fon*| Head of Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon., J. C. N. Assob| Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon., J. Ndzo| Medical Doctor , Programme in Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon., E. Ngu| Professor of Medicine and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon., G. Monekosso
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP1228
- DOI -
- Views 634
- Downloads 33
Acute poisoning with copper sulphate in a young lady
Ingestion ofcopper sulphate is an uncommon form of poisoning which is usually reported inIndian subcontinent. This poisoning can lead to life threatening seriouscomplications like acute intravascular hemolysis, renal fai...
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is a common and important musculoskeletal problem. Compromised shoulder movement due to pain, stiffness, or weakness can cause substantial disability and affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activit...
Title- comparison of oxytocin, methergin and carboprost in active management of third stage of labour
To compare the efficacy of 10 units oxytocin, 0.2 mg methylergometrine and 250 microgram carboprost in the active management of third stage of labour. A randomized comparative study enrolling 300 women was donein the Dep...
Assessment of essential trace metals (iron, copper and selenium) and heavy metal (lead) in obese diabetics (type 2 diabetic) patients
ABSTRACT Background: It is evident that the metabolism of some trace metals is altered in diabetes mellitus and these micronutrients may have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. The aim of...
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction among turkish heterosexual men
Aim: To find the prevalence and the degree of severity of erectile dysfunction in a group of Turkish men. Methods: The online survey was randomly offered to web surfers in Turkey. The survey was posted on the Internet wi...