Abstract

This survey study was conducted on maternal and infant factors influencing the choice of infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers attending health facilities in Ogoja, Cross River State. The major objective of the study was to investigate how maternal and infant factors influence the choice of infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers in Ogoja, Cross River State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The studied population was all HIV positive mothers attending health facilities in Ogoja from January-December 2011-2013, with a total of 136 registered HIV positive mothers. Using the purposive sampling techniques, the total population was included in the study. Data collection was done using structured questionnaire divided into two sections. After data collection has been done and coded appropriately, Chi-square statistical analysis was used to analyze data. The result of data analyses shows that maternal factors influence the choices of infant feeding options adopted by HIV+ mothers,(mothers infant feeding decision (13.374<.0.68), the health condition of the mothers (x2 = 12.436, p><.002), the limited time to breastfeed the baby because of work (x2 = 11.065, p><.05) and the size of mother’s nipple and other breast conditions (14.107>< 0.212). the result further shows that there some infant factors that significantly influenced HIV positive mothers’ choice of infant feeding option (baby with cleft and physical deformed lips (x2 = 11 .794, p>.05), baby’s refusal to take breast milk (x2 = 18.318, p<.05) and baby’s health condition (x2 = 10.493, p>0.474). the study therefore found out that maternal health condition, limited time to breast feed baby because of work and baby’s refusal to take breast milk had significant influence on infant feeding options. Based on the findings it was recommended that HIV positive mothers should be sensitized by HIV/PMTCT counselors with necessary knowledge for the choice of infant feeding options, these choices must be made by the HIV+ mothers based on their prevailing conditions.

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