title: Social determinants of mixed feeding behavior among HIV-infected mothers in Jos, Nigeria.
abstract: Mixed feeding confers excess risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV compared with exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive formula feeding. We undertook a qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional survey to identify the social determinants of mixed feeding among a subset of the 469 HIV-infected women enrolled in a MTCT prevention program in Jos, Nigeria. Formula was provided free-of-cost. Of the 91 participants, 68 (75%) exclusively formula fed, 7 (8%) exclusively breastfed, and 16 (18%) practiced mixed feeding. Of the mixed feeding women, seven primarily formula fed and nine primarily breastfed. Women who primarily formula fed described family pressure as the reason for mixed feeding, while women who primarily breastfed reported insufficient breast milk. In a multivariate analysis, lack of partner support of the feeding decision predicted mixed feeding behavior (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.2-14.9; p=0.03). Disclosure of HIV status was significantly correlated (p<0.001) with partner support. HIV prevention interventions aimed at reducing mixed feeding should encourage supportive partner relationships that facilitate disclosure of HIV status. Attention should also be made to the differing pressures faced by women attempting to exclusively breast feed and exclusively formula feed.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Sheela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maru
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Datong
authors.forename: Dilhatu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Selleng
authors.forename: Edwina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mang
authors.forename: Buki
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Inyang
authors.forename: Anuli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ajene
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guyit
authors.forename: Man
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Charurat
authors.forename: Alash'le
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abimiku
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009549:Nigeria; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult