Factors Affecting Implementation Of Who Recommendations On Infant Feeding Among Hiv/Aids Infected Mothers In Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to characterize factors affecting implementation of WHO recommendations on infant feeding among HIV/AIDS infected mothers in Dar-es-Salaam region. Specifically the study intended to assess knowledge on infant feeding in the context of HIV and AIDS among HIV positive mothers to assess constraints that hinders the implementation of recommendations of WHO on infant feeding, to examine attitude on infant feeding in the context of HIV and to assess the nutritional status of HIV exposed children aged 6 -12 months. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 99 HIV infected mothers and 17 health care workers in Dar es Salaam. Descriptive non parametric Chi square and inferential principle analysis were used to analyse the data. The results have shown 60% and 42.9% of women in urban and rural areas respectively were knowledgeable about timely initiation of breastfeeding after delivery (p = 0.000); 52.8% and 86% in urban and rural areas respectively were aware that mastitis and breast engorgement increases the likelihood of MTCT of HIV during breastfeeding (p = 0.024). The prevalence of stunting among HIV exposed children was 25.2%; wasting was 10.9%; and underweight was 25%. Barriers to implementation of new WHO guidelines on infant feeding in the context of HIV and AIDS include: fear of infecting the baby, and lack of disclosure of mother’s HIV status. The study concluded that inadequate knowledge of health care workers on issues of infant feeding in the context of HIV, fear for stigma, early initiation and giving colostrums were among the contributing factors of poor implementation of new WHO guidelines and the prevalence of malnutrition among HIV exposed children in the study area was higher. Basing on the findings of the study it is recommended to harmonise the health education package in terms of messages and content and undertake health promotion by using mass and traditional media.