CHAPTER ONE
Statement of problem
HIV/AID’S has become a global scourge leading to millions of deaths worldwide. Individuals, governments and non-governmental organizations have been battling with it in an attempt to control, reduce and possibly eliminate this pandemic. These attempts have been through campaigns, supply of relatively cheap or free anti-retroviral drugs and other preventive measures such as prevention of mother to child (PMTCT) (Okon 2011). Indeed, studies have shown that HIV could be transmitted from infected mothers to their nursing babies, such transmission is possible through feeding options (Oguta,2004 and Kuhn, Aldrovardi and Sinkala 2007). Such mode of transmission has increased the likelihood of infants being infected and has attracted attention globally. FMOH (2007) observed that HIV infection among infants has been on the increase and that it is one of the major causes of childhood death. The report further observed that this case is worsened by the feeding options adopted by HIV infected mothers. To buttress this finding, Ajayi, Hellandendu and Odekunle (2011) in their study showed that more than 90% of HIV infected infants were from mother to child during birth or breast feeding. Hence feeding option is one of the critical modes of HIV transmission from mothers to infants. Despite the guide by FMOH and observations, the researcher has observed in clinical practice, that there seem to be misconceptions by HIV infected mothers on infant feeding options. Granted that infants contract HIV from their mother’s during birth or during breast feeding, there is the growing awareness about the available infant feeding options adopted by HIV positive mothers, if this then is the case, what are the factors influencing the choices of feeding options adopted by HIV positive mothers? This research therefore is intended to examine the factors influencing the choices of infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers in Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing the choice of infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers in Ogoja, Cross River State.
Objectives of the study
The specific objectives of this study are to;1 determine socio-demographic factors influencing the choices of infant feeding options2 identify maternal factors influencing the choice of infant feeding options3 identify factors in the infant that can influence choices of feeding4 identify health system factors influencing the choices of infant feeding options
Research questions
1) What are the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors influencing the choices of infant feeding options?2) Do maternal factors influence the choices of infant feeding options?3) What infant factors influence choice of infant feeding options?4) What are the health system factors that can influence infant feeding options?
Significance of the study
This research will be useful in so many ways to different people and other related fields. To the nurses, medical doctors and other health care givers, the outcome of this research will inform policy recommendations on the choices of infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers and how they can advice policies and practices. To health care providers in the voluntary counseling sessions and other stand alone facilities and support groups, the outcome of this research will be a useful guide and reference materials during their counseling sessions and support group activities. To HIV positive mothers, it will service as a guide to their choices of infant feeding options. To other researchers in this field and other related fields, the outcome of this research will serve as a guide during intervention project design and planning.
Scope of Study
This study was delimited to HIV positive mothers within the two health facilities studied, General Hospital Ogoja and Roman Catholic Maternity (RCM) Hospital Ogoja. It also covers socio demographic factors, mother factors, infant factors, and health system factors.
Operational definition of terms
Factors influencing infant feeding choices; these are socio demographic, health system, mother and infant factors.
Replacement or artificial feeding: this is feeding an infant with formula food rather than breast milk. Socio demographic factors: are mother’s age, educational background, religion, marital status, mother’s occupation, husband’s occupation and monthly income.Mother factors: are mothers’ behavior towards breast feeding, experiences at pregnancy and delivery.Health system factors: Is the health services rendered in health care settings.Infant factors; are experiences at birth to thirty six months.