Factors Affecting Mothers' Choice Ofbreastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding in the Lower Umfolozi District War Memorial Hospital; Kwazulu-Natal
Health SA Gesondheid (Print)
; 15(1): 1-8, 2010.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1262474
Responsible library:
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ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine which factors influence choice of breast- versus the formulafeeding of infants. This may help to understand where the focus should lie in the promotion of breastfeeding. A structured questionnaire was completed by a 100 women and focus-group discussions were held with 22 women who delivered babies at the Lower Umfolozi District War Memorial Hospital (LUDWM) in Kwazulu-Natal. Most of the mothers (72) chose breastfeeding and 58intended to breastfeed for only 6 months. One-third (33) were influenced by health care professionals and 44of the mothers made their own decisions in their feeding method. Only one participant stated that she chose formula-feeding due to her HIV-positive status; but in the focusgroup discussions; the fear of transmission of HIV through breast-milk was stated as an important reason why mothers chose replacement-feeding. Significantly more HIV-infected than uninfected mothers chose replacement-feeding as the feeding method and mothers who chose breastfeeding were significantly older than mothers who selected replacement-feeding. They made their infantfeeding decision earlier than those who chose replacement-feeding. Findings showed that the majority of women in this study did not have access to running water and flush toilets in their houses. In these areas where replacement-feeding will not be acceptable; feasible; affordable; sustainable and safe; due to lack of sanitation and poor socio-economic status; health professionals should promote exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months; even though there is a high prevalence of HIV infection
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Breast Feeding
/
Causality
/
Food Preferences
/
Hospitals
/
Mothers
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Health SA Gesondheid (Print)
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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