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Factors affecting selection and adherence to infant feeding choice made by HIV-positive mothers - participating in the Kesho Bora WHO project, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Presented by Kossiwavi Amewono AYASSOU, Burkina Faso.
Ayassou K.A.1, Saher A.1, Cames C.1, Ky-Zerbo O.1, Bonkoungou J.1, Kone H.1, Ouedraogo S.1, Devincenzi I.1, Meda N.1, Simondon K.1, For the Kesho Bora WHO Project
1IRD/Centre Muraz, UR 024, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Objectives: The study was aimed to find out determinants of infant feeding choice and its subsequent adherence by HIV-positive mothers.
Methods: Qualitative research by the method of Focus Groups was done. 36 mothers, who belonged to the larger cohort of mothers participating in Kesho Bora study in Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), participated in focus groups. Six focus group sessions were conducted, of mothers who were either exclusively breastfeeding or artificially feeding their children. Participants discussed reasons, perceived benefits and difficulties of their chosen method of infant feeding. Mothers also discussed the strategies they employed to overcome the problems for adhering to the chosen method. Quantitative research also was done and Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Findings of the qualitative analysis revealed that mothers are not autonomous in choosing the method of feeding for their child. Mothers choosing artificial replacement feeding are stressed by critique of the people and fear of stigmatization for not breast feeding their child. Mothers choosing exclusive breastfeeding are less criticized and better accepted by their families and other people, but they are scared of infecting their child via breast milk. Educated mothers as well as mothers who have support of their partners are at ease of choosing and adhering to their desired method of infant feeding. Mothers tend to overcome the problems by hiding real reasons of the choice, and try to give plausible excuses that could permit them to adhere to chosen method. A positive outlook upon life and continued counseling in post partum period are pivotal in adherence to the chosen method of infant feeding.
Conclusions: Improved public health awareness, education of a female and continued counseling by health care providers, in resource limited settings, can be very important in providing ease to a HIV-positive mother for her infant feeding decision and its adherence.
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