Assessment of factors associated with infant feeding decisions in PMTCT in Kisarawe District

Background, while breastfeeding is the primary guarantee of child survival in resource poor settings, breastfeeding by HIV infected mother significantly increases the incidence of HIV infection among breastfed infants. Among women with established HIV infection , the estimated additional risk of transmission from breast milk, over and above the risk during pregnancy and delivery , is about 15% for HIV exposed babies who are breastfed for up to 6 months and about 20% for babies who breastfeed into the second year of life. This is a matter of public health importance and hence it is important to determine obstacles and factors in reducing the rate of mother to child transmission through breastfeeding.The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with infant feeding decisions in PMTCT among women of reproductive age in Kisarawe district, in coast region.Methodology, a descriptive cross sectional study was done. A total of 360 women were participated. A structured questionnaire was used in face to face interview at the Kisarawe district hospital RCH clinic. Interviewing schedule and Pre- tested Swahili questionnaires were used to collect data.Data was analyzed using SPSS 15.0.Results, general knowledge on HIV transmission was high with unsafe sex being the most mentioned mode of transmission. Specific knowledge on MTCT of HIV was relatively low with most of women overestimating the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child through breastfeeding.Exclusive replacement feeding was the commonest chosen infant feeding option with cow’s milk being the most preferred option.In concluding the research, factors associated with infant feeding decisions in PMTC were found to be knowledge on MTCT of HIV, social stigma of HIV infection, economic circumstances, family influences on feeding practices and level of education