Prelacteal Feeding Practices and Its Associated Factors among Mother of Children Less Than 2 Years of Age in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Background. Prelacteal feeding is defined as administration of any substances other than breast milk to newborn babies during the first 3 days after birth. Despite its negative health outcomes, it is commonly practiced in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 2 years of age in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 465 mothers having children aged less than 2 years in Kersa district. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with prelacteal feeding practices. Variables with a P-value <.05 were identified as statistically significant factors. Results. The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding in Kersa district was 46.4% (95% CI; 42.0%, 51.5%). Initiating breastfeeding after 1 hour of delivery (AOR = 10.80, 95% CI: (5.79, 20.17)), giving birth at home (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: (1.41, 5.46)), not knowing risks associated with pre-lacteal feeding (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: (1.72, 6.15)) and perceiving pre-lacteal feeding as beneficial (AOR = 9.56, 95% CI: (4.45, 20.52)) were factors significantly associated with practice pre-lacteal feeding practices. Conclusion. Significant proportions of mothers were practicing pre-lacteal feeding in the study area. Late initiation of breastfeeding, home delivery, not knowing risks of prelacteal feeding, and perceiving pre-lacteal feeding as beneficial were contributing factors for practicing of pre-lacteal feeding. Therefore, promoting institutional delivery and timely initiation of breastfeeding would reduce prelacteal feeding in Kersa district.

Sexual practices of HIV-positive individuals attending antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Addis Ababa public hospitals: findings from in-depth interview.

INTRODUCTION: The rollout of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and improved health care services contributed in recuperating the quality of life and the functional status of HIV-positive people. These clinical effects of the treatment and cares are believed to bring a change on their sexual practices. The objective of this study was to explore the sexual practices of the HIV-positive people who were getting ART in selected Addis Ababa public hospitals. METHODS: A qualitative in-depth interview was conducted. The interviews were made by trained nurse counselors of the same sex and were tape recorded. Verbatim transcription was made before the analysis. Thematic categorizations were made to present the findings. RESULTS: Most participants expressed regained sexual desires with initiation of ART while some others didn't appreciate the regains. Not using condoms or inconsistently using them was identified risky sexual practices. Sero-discordances and sero-status non-disclosure were common issues among the partners. CONCLUSION: Sero-status non-disclosure, non-use of condom and inconsistent using them were common sexual issues. These hinder the efforts that are being made to reduce new HIV infections and re-infections. Interventions against these problems can be made when clients come for their ART treatment and clinical care follow up.

Sexual Practices of HIV-Positive Individuals Attending Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals: Findings from in-Depth Interview

Introduction: The rollout of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and improved health care services contributed in recuperating the quality of life and the functional status of HIV-positive people. These clinical effects of the treatment and cares are believed to bring a change on their sexual practices. The objective of this study was to explore the sexual practices of the HIV-positive people who were getting ART in selected Addis Ababa public hospitals.Methods:A qualitative in-depth interview was conducted. The interviews were made by trained nurse counselors of the same sex and were tape recorded. Verbatim transcription was made before the analysis. Thematic categorizations were made to present the findings. Results: Most participants expressed regained sexual desires with initiation of ART while some others didn't appreciate the regains. Not using condoms or inconsistently using them was identified risky sexual practices. Sero-discordances and sero-status non-disclosure were common issues among the partners. Conclusion: Sero-status non-disclosure; non-use of condom and inconsistent using them were common sexual issues. These hinder the efforts that are being made to reduce new HIV infections and re-infections. Interventions against these problems can be made when clients come for their ART treatment and clinical care follow up