HIV-negative status is associated with very early onset of lactation among Ghanaian women.
This is a longitudinal cohort study investigating the association between maternal HIV status and the reported onset of lactation. The Research to Improve Infant Nutrition and Growth project recruited 442 mothers from 3 antenatal clinics in the eastern region of Ghana, based on positive, negative, and unknown HIV status. Onset of lactation was assessed by maternal perception and validated with 2 subsamples: measurement of infant breast milk intake (n = 40) and daily infant weight measurement for 2 weeks (n = 150). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of very early onset of lactation (onset of lactation < 6 hours). Predictors of very early onset of lactation include HIV-negative status (odds ratio = 2.68; P = .014), multiparity (odds ratio = 2.93; P = .009), vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 2.55; P = .035), and having a male child (odds ratio = 1.86; P = .032). The findings indicate an association between maternal HIV status and very early onset of lactation.
Otoo
Gloria E
GE
Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut, CT, USA. geotoo@yahoo.com
Marquis
Grace S
GS
Sellen
Daniel W
DW
Chapman
Donna J
DJ
Pérez-Escamilla
Rafael
R
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D013997:Time Factors; D013998:Time Perception; D015430:Weight Gain