Exploring infant feeding practices and associated factors among HIV-positive mothers attending early infant diagnosis clinic in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Abstract This study assessed the infant feeding practices and their determinants among human immune deficiency virus (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 focused group discussion (FGD) guide were used in data collection. Data were collected, edited, coded and entered into Epi info. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti software. Of the 108 mothers, 83/108 (77%) practised exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) while 25/108 (23%) practised mixed feeding. Qualitative results also showed that EBF 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 0.210–0.988), income level (OR 1.296, 95% CI 1.150–10.631). Majority of mothers had good knowledge about the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Mothers should deliver from hospitals, more sensitisations for these mothers to appreciate the benefits of EBF.