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Mgongo M, Ickes SB, Leyaro BJ, Mboya IB, Grounds S, Seiger ER, Hashim TH, Conklin JL, Kimani-Murage EW, Martin SL. Early Infant Feeding Practices among Women Engaged in Paid Work in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review. Adv Nutr 2024; 15:100179. [PMID: 38246350 PMCID: PMC10877690 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Around the world, paid work without appropriate structural support is a key barrier to optimal breastfeeding practices. To better protect, promote, and support optimal breastfeeding practices among working women in Africa, this scoping review sought to understand how paid work influences infant feeding practices in the first 6 mo of life and what support women need to manage work and optimal infant feeding practices. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, and CINAHL Plus, screened 2436 abstracts, and reviewed 322 full-text articles using Covidence for review and charting. We identified 203 articles that met the inclusion criteria. We identified 32 quantitative, 10 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, and 2 review articles that focused on examining the relationship between work and breastfeeding, and 109 quantitative, 22 qualitative, 21 mixed-methods, and 4 review articles that included work as part of broader breastfeeding research but did not focus on work. Most studies reported a significant negative association between work and exclusive breastfeeding. Three major domains were reported in the qualitative studies: challenges to managing work and infant feeding, receiving support from employers and family members/caregivers, and strategies for feeding infants when the mother is working. Reviewed studies proposed recommendations to increase support for breastfeeding through changes to policies and support within worksites, the health system, and childcare; however, evidence of previously implemented policies or programs is limited. We recommend more consistent definitions and measurement of women's work. Future research is needed on the impact of implementing various strategies and benefits for breastfeeding at workplaces, as well as efforts to support breastfeeding among informal workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Mgongo
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community and Global Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania; Better Health for the African Mother and Child, Moshi, Tanzania.
| | - Scott B Ickes
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Program in Nutritional Sciences, and Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William and Mary, WIlliamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Beatrice J Leyaro
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Innocent B Mboya
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Samantha Grounds
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Emily R Seiger
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tamara H Hashim
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community and Global Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jamie L Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Stephanie L Martin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Gebremariam ZM, Getahun G, Sahile A, Kejela Y, Getachew Y, Sisay F. Infant feeding practices and associated factors among HIV-positive mothers of infants aged 0-6 months at public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:28. [PMID: 38378624 PMCID: PMC10877894 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the era of HIV infection, exclusive breast-feeding highly recommended for infants aged less than 6 months. Avoidance of exclusive breast-feeding by HIV-infected mothers recommended when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe. The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding has remained very low worldwide. Despite this fact, there is limited information on infant feeding practices of HIV-positive mothers and factors that affect the practice in the current study area. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the magnitude of infant feeding practice and associated factors among HIV-positive mothers of infants aged 0-6 months at public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among a total of 397 study participants. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The completeness of the data was checked, coded, cleaned and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software, and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression model were employed for the analysis with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI and a P value ≤ 0.05 to determine the strength of association between infant feeding practice and its independent factors. RESULTS The overall magnitude of appropriate infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was 82.6% (95% CI 80.9-88.2). Good knowledge of mother's toward infant feeding (AOR: 1.26, 95%, CI 1.11-3.34), better household monthly income, ≥ 6001 Ethiopian birr (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.33-5.14) and favorable attitude of mother's toward infant feeding (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.92) were statistically significant associated factors with the recommended way of infant feeding practice. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Hence, the current study area is the capital city of the Ethiopia, where a relatively educated population lived in, there was an opportunity for better income, and appropriate infant feeding practice among HIV-positive mothers was found slightly higher than even the overall national target (70%) that was planned by 2020. Therefore, different stakeholders should develop strategic plan to excel females' education coverage and thereby their knowledge and attitude toward infant feeding to fully eradicate mother-to-child transmission of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdu Minwuyelet Gebremariam
- Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Genanew Getahun
- Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Yared Kejela
- City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yeworkwuha Getachew
- Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fasil Sisay
- Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, City Administration of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Augustino G, Anaeli A, Sunguya BF. Infant and Young Child Feeding in the Context of HIV: An Exploration of Barriers in Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.21.23300402. [PMID: 38234791 PMCID: PMC10793536 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.23300402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Ensuring optimal nutrition through early breastfeeding is vital for infant mental development and overall health. HIV infections complicate decisions regarding exclusive breastfeeding, jeopardizing effective infant and young child feeding, which affects nutrition and health outcomes. Recognizing the lack of evidence on barriers to infant feeding in the context of HIV in Tanzania, this study was conducted to explore individual, household, and community obstacles in the Ilala district, Dar es Salaam. Methods The study used a hospital-based qualitative approach, focusing on HIV-positive mothers with infants aged 3-6 months in Dar es Salaam city. This involved reviewing mothers' files, conducting interviews with them, and interviewing Reproductive and Child Health clinics (RCH) and community healthcare providers. In total, 27 In-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached, and thematic analysis was used to analyze collected data. Findings The study identified various barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, encompassing individual factors like work schedules, postpartum depression, and breast conditions. On the household level, barriers included limited access to resources, family influence, and HIV status disclosure reluctance due to stigma. In the community, low retention in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs plays a pivotal role in hindering exclusive breastfeeding support for HIV-positive mothers. Conclusion and Recommendations HIV-positive mothers face diverse barriers ranging from individual, household, and community-based barriers. Policies supporting breastfeeding, early detection of postnatal depression and breast problems, and peer support for young mothers are of paramount importance. Food insecurity and HIV stigma should be tackled through income-generating activities, family involvement in PMTCT programs, and awareness campaigns. Community-based counselors play a crucial role in supporting HIV-positive mothers in their exclusive breastfeeding journey to improve PMTCT care retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goodluck Augustino
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani Anaeli
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Tuthill EL, Maltby AE, Odhiambo BC, Hoffmann TJ, Nyaura M, Shikari R, Cohen CR, Weiser SD. "It has changed my life": unconditional cash transfers and personalized infant feeding support- a feasibility intervention trial among women living with HIV in western Kenya. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 38012644 PMCID: PMC10680175 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The syndemic effects of poverty, food insecurity and living with HIV are recognized as global health priorities, including through the United Nations Sustainability Goals 1, 2 and 3. Today, women and girls account for 63% of all new HIV infections in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya. Pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in this setting face unique challenges including increased financial insecurity as women leave the work force to care for their newborn infants. This contributes to poverty, food scarcity and stress. METHODS To address financial insecurity, improve infant feeding and reduce stress among mothers living with HIV in this setting, we developed a multilevel intervention, Supporting Healthy Mothers, consisting of 10 monthly unconditional cash transfers (10,000 KES, ~$75 USD/month) and personalized infant feeding support from pregnancy to 7 months postpartum. We conducted a non-randomized feasibility trial of this intervention among women engaged in HIV care in Kisumu, Kenya. From February 23, 2022 to March 23, 2022, we enrolled a total of 40 women who were 20-35 weeks pregnant-20 women to the intervention group at a public clinic, and 20 women to the control group at a similar clinic. Our aim was to assess feasibility, acceptability, and the potential impact of the intervention on food security, infant feeding and maternal mental health. RESULTS Analyzing data from all 40 participants, we found a significant reduction in food insecurity scores from baseline for the intervention group when compared to the control group at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum (p = 0.0008 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Qualitative exit interviews with intervention group participants confirmed women felt more financially secure and had newly acquired practical knowledge and skills related to infant feeding. Women found the two intervention components highly acceptable and described an overall positive impact on wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS The Supporting Healthy Mothers intervention has potential to positively impact women across the perinatal period and beyond by increasing financial security and supporting women to overcome infant feeding challenges and should be assessed in larger trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION Supporting Healthy Mothers was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System, initially published on February 1, 2022. CLINICALTRIALS gov ID: NCT05219552 Protocol ID: K23MH116807.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Tuthill
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ann E Maltby
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Belinda C Odhiambo
- Global Programs for Research and Training, University of California San Francisco, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Thomas J Hoffmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Office of Research School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maureen Nyaura
- Global Programs for Research and Training, University of California San Francisco, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Shikari
- Ambercare Medical Centre and Mamatoto Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educative Services, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Tuthill EL, Maltby AE, Odhiambo BC, Akama E, Dawson-Rose C, Cohen CR, Weiser SD. Financial and Food Insecurity are Primary Challenges to Breastfeeding for Women Living with HIV in Western Kenya: A Longitudinal Qualitative Investigation. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3258-3271. [PMID: 37043052 PMCID: PMC10577374 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 24 months or longer is recommended for all mothers world-wide, including women living with HIV (WLWH). Given evidence of suboptimal infant feeding and the need to understand context specific barriers, we explored experiences of perinatal WLWH in Kisumu, Kenya. We applied a longitudinal qualitative approach (4 in-depth interviews) with 30 women from pregnancy to 14-18 months postpartum. Cross-sectional profiling led to a narrative description of infant feeding across time. The majority of women breastfed exclusively for 6 months and weaned by 18 months. Severe financial and food insecurity were primary challenges as women worked through when/how to breastfeed or stop breastfeeding in the setting of multiple competing priorities/pressures across time. Financial and food support and increased support for breastfeeding beyond 18 months have the potential to reduce women's stress and uncertainty associated with infant feeding as well as optimize infant health and nutrition in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Tuthill
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Ann E Maltby
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Belinda C Odhiambo
- Global Programs for Research and Training - Kenya, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eliud Akama
- Kenya Medical Research Institute- Center for Microbiology Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carol Dawson-Rose
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Exploring Infant Feeding Practices and associated factors among HIV Positive Mothers Attending Early Infant Diagnosis Clinic in Northern Uganda. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e130. [PMID: 35718949 PMCID: PMC9306008 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Maternal and health care workers' perspectives on exclusive breastfeeding in the context of maternal HIV infection, in Busia county, western Kenya: a mixed methods cross-sectional survey. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:17. [PMID: 35246178 PMCID: PMC8894571 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00454-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months with maternal active antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, EBF in low resource settings remains low. We explored perspectives of EBF by HIV-infected mothers and health care workers in Busia County with a high prevalence of HIV to understand factors influencing the practice. METHODS A mixed methods cross-sectional survey using concurrent quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was conducted at PMTCT clinics. Data on socio-demography, young infant feeding practices, maternal and infant health was collected between February 2013 and August 2015 from 371 purposively sampled HIV-infected mother-infant dyads using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions with mothers, in-depth interviews and passive observation of health care workers during interaction with mothers were conducted. Significance of difference between mothers practicing EBF or not was tested by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests setting significance level at 5%. Qualitative data was coded and content analyzed to generate themes. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-nine (94%) mothers practiced EBF. Maternal comprehension of EBF to PMTCT of HIV influenced choice and practice of EBF (P value = 0.019 and < 0.001 respectively). Health care workers emphasized adherence to ART and offered nutritional supplementation during EBF. Health care workers' nutritional counseling in the context of maternal HIV was poor. Mentor mothers shared their experiences with mothers and offered live case demonstrations of their successfully EBF, healthy and HIV-uninfected children. The main threats to EBF were teenage motherhood, low maternal education and working during EBF. CONCLUSIONS EBF among HIV-infected mothers in Busia County, Kenya was high. Health education and counselling by health care workers, maternal comprehension of ART adherence to PMTCT of HIV, nutritional supplementation and mentor mothers' peer counseling using live case demonstrations of HIV-uninfected EBF children promoted and sustained practice of EBF for 6 months. Teenage motherhood, low maternal education and having to work threatened EBF.
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Goon DT, Ajayi AI, Adeniyi OV. Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:18. [PMID: 33593419 PMCID: PMC7885516 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00366-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive 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. METHODS This 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. RESULTS The 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. CONCLUSIONS The 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ter Goon
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health, African Population and Health Research Centre, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sociology Department, University of Fort Hare, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, East London Hospital Complex, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London, South Africa
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