294824
Predictors of breast feeding behavior among HIV positive women in Kenya
Background: Approximately 34 million people are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), accounting for an estimated 30 million deaths. Of those infected, over 3.4 million are children, living with HIV/AIDS after having been infected through mother-to-child HIV transmission. Purpose: Using Andersen's behavioral model as the theoretical framework, this study addressed the predictor value of HIV counseling, HIV treatment, and knowledge of HIV transmission from mother-to-child on breastfeeding behaviors among Kenyan women who were HIV positive at the time of the study. Methods: Data were analyzed from the 2008-2009 Kenya Demographic Health Surveys of 167 HIV positive females aged 15-49. Results: Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis results showed that (1) conversations during antenatal visits regarding HIV/AIDS transmission from mother-to-child predicted a shorter duration of breastfeeding; (2) drug use to avoid HIV/AIDS transmission to baby during pregnancy reduced the odds of ongoing breastfeeding; and (3) knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS transmission by breastfeeding was not associated with duration of breastfeeding or the odds of ongoing breastfeeding. Conclusion: Applying these results could contribute to positive social change by helping providers, clinics, and organizations analyze and improve their educational messages regarding mother-to-child HIV transmission, resulting in reduction of the rate of mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission in Kenya and improving the lives of children and their families and communities.
Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Learning Objectives:
Analyze the predictor value of HIV counseling, HIV treatment, knowledge of HIV transmission from mother-to-child on breastfeeding behaviors among Kenyan women who were HIV positive at the time of the study.
Keyword(s): Women and HIV/AIDS, International MCH
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have researched extensively about this topic and it is my dissertation work. I have worked in HIV prevention and services, including grants management where I distribute Ryan White funds to HIV/AIDS-patient serving agencies tasked to offer these patients medical and support services. I coordinated quality management monitoring reviews, audit medical charts, and compliance with laws and regulations. I have completed mission trips mainly to Africa, where i have worked with HIV positive women.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
