Abstract
BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to May 2018, on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.ResultsThe prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. E Exclusive breastfeeding’s prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08–2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.02–7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for 6 months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for 6 months.ConclusionsThe prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.
Highlights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth
Established global evidence has shown that exclusive breastfeeding prevents both the incidence of and mortality from diarrhoea, which is commonly associated with mixed feeding practices and infant formula feeding practices [7]
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding The prevalence of six-month EBF was 32.0%
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) could save the lives of infants and prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV infection [1, 2], especially in a country like South Africa with a high HIV burden [3, 4]. Between 2010 and 2015, South Africa has made policy changes in infant feeding practices and PMTCT guidelines. Established global evidence has shown that exclusive breastfeeding prevents both the incidence of and mortality from diarrhoea, which is commonly associated with mixed feeding practices and infant formula feeding practices [7]. Previous studies conducted in South Africa have indicated contradictory infant feeding messages from older relatives, such as grandmothers, and healthcare workers, low socio-economic indicators, and the fear of transmitting HIV to the infant as among the reasons for mixed-feeding practices [10, 14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
