Factors that Influence Infant Feeding Options of HIV-Positive Mothers in Urban and Rural Communities in South-East, Nigeria

Introduction: Infant feeding method decision making is a very vital aspect of child care. This study compares the factors influencing infant feeding options of HIV-positive mothers in urban and rural communities in southeastern Nigeria.

Methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional study involving HIV-positive mothers whose babies were HIV-negative, and below 24 months using systematic sampling method. Questionnaires and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) guide were used.

Results: About 123(54.7%) urban and 142(64.1%) rural dwellers intended exclusively breastfeeding (p = 0.150), however 88(39.1%) urban and 122(54.2%) rural dwellers actually exclusively breastfed (p = 0.001). The commonest reason for breastfeeding was belief that breast feeding was best for their babies (p = 0.003) while for formula feeding was that it protects the baby from HIV infection (p = 0.044). Family income with occupation for rural communities (p = 0.01, and p = 0.03 respectively) and family income for urban (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with infant feeding options.

The FGD identified that disclosure of their HIV status to their husbands or relations helped the mothers in both communities maintain their feeding options.

Conclusions: Infant feeding practices differed significantly between communities. Family incomes and occupation were factors influencing feeding options.