The Influence of Individual Determinants on Adherence to Feeding Guidelines for Infants Born to HIV Positive Mothers in Rakai District

Abstract

Introduction : In Uganda, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was first reported at Kasensero landing site in Rakai district, in the South Western region in 1982. The district has continued to experience high HIV rates at 12% compared to the national average of 7.3% with relatively higher vertical transmission rates. Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the individual determinants of adherence to feeding guidelines for infants born to HIV positive mothers in Rakai District, Uganda. Methodology : A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used with a sample size of 138 respondents and employing quantitative method of enquiry. A non-probability sampling strategy called consecutive sampling was used to sample the mothers with HIV. Data were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive and bivariate analysis data. Results : Individual determinants found to have a statistically significant influence to feeding guidelines for infants born to mothers living with HIV were: Age (X 2 = 45.967, P -value = 0.000), Number of children (X 2 = 93.069, P -value = 0.000), Number of children given birth to since diagnosis (X 2 = 18.604, P -value = 0.000), income per month (X 2 = 50.477, P -value = 0.000), ever had breast complication (X 2 = 15.039, P -value = 0.000), disclosure of HIV status (X 2 = 10.740, P -value = 0.001), quantity of breast milk produced (X 2 = 10.637, P -value = 0.0005) and whether mothers attended antenatal care services (X 2 = 38.613, P -value = 0.000). Conclusion : Age, Number of Children, Number of Children given birth to since diagnosis, breast complications, disclosure of HIV status, quantity of breast milk produced and utilization of antenatal care services were found to have an association with the adherence to feeding guidelines among HIV positive mother and this was statistically significant. Recommendation : General improvement of socio-economic status of the mothers should be done and be given priority so that in turn it will enable the women to adequately focus on maintaining optimum and the health of their children.