Mothers Knowledge and other factors that influence selection of feeding options for infants aged 0-6 months with special emphasis on mother to child transmission of HIV in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract
In September - December 2000, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with
an aim of identifying factors that determine selection of feeding options for infants 0-6
months attending Paediatric Demonstration clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi,
Kenya. A structured questionnaire administered to mothers was the principal tool of
investigation. Purposive sampling of individual mothers with children 0-6 months was
done among all mothers with children registered in the clinic until a sample size of 176
mothers was achieved.
The following were the objectives of this study; to determine potential demographic
socio-economic factors associated with choice of feeding options. To determine mothers
knowledge of MTCT of HIV and its prevention through selection of suitable infant
feeding options for 0-6 months infants. To determine the feeding option choices if the
mother was HIV positive in hypothetical situations. Finally, to determine the methods of
food preparation and handling of foods for 0-6 months infants.
The questionnaire was filled as each mother was being interviewed. Information on
mother's knowledge of feeding options for 0-6 month's infants and the actual feeding
practices for the infants was obtained. Demographic and socio-economic data was also
collected as part of the same questionnaire. SPSS/PC + computer package was used for
data entry and analysis.
The results of this study show that breast milk was the first food given to infants by about
half of the mothers although most of them adopted mixed feeding before 6 months.
Among the feeding options that were selected, breast-feeding was the most preferred
feeding option by about half (48%) of women selecting it. Porridge and sweetened water
were selected by (12%). Marital status was significantly associated with the type of
feeding option selected (P=O.OOl). It was also found that the decision-maker status
significantly determined the type of feeding option selected for an infant in relation to the
decision making status (P=O.Ol). Mothers who had knowledge of maternal transmission
HIV and infant feeding options significantly made better choices compared to those that
lacked that knowledge (P=0.007).
The following are the rec mmendations. The government and other agencies should and
redesign and embark on campaigns that will address behaviour and attitude change
towards prevention of HIV and exclusive breast-feeding for 0-6 months infants. All
mothers should be discouraged from mixed feeding for the first six months. Women
should be empowered with child feeding knowledge and how to promptly address any
breast feeding problems in order to make informed decisions. MTCT clinics should
engage the services of nutrition counsellors and breast health education should be
introduced in the Maternal and Child health services for successful breast-feeding.
Lactation management courses should be expanded to target health workers working in
all paediatric and obstetrics services. Further research is needed to study the effect of
abrupt weaning from the breast on infants less than 6 months and effects of modified
human and cow milk on 0-6 months infants. A comparative study should be done on
infants from HIV positive mothers on replacement feeds and those who are on exclusive
breast-feeding less than six months.
Citation
Mbugua, A W(2006). Mothers Knowledge and other factors that influence selection of feeding options for infants aged 0-6 months with special emphasis on mother to child transmission of HIV in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, KenyaSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Mbugua, A W(2006). Mothers Knowledge and other factors that influence selection of feeding options for infants aged 0-6 months with special emphasis on mother to child transmission of HIV in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi
Subject
Mother's KnowledgeFeeding options
Infant
Mother-to-child transmission
HIV
Kenyatta National Hospital
Nairobi
Kenya
Description
Msc-Thesis