Comparison of infant feeding practices by maternal HIV status, and associated factors, in a rural district, South Africa 2019.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months and breastfeeding up to 24 months in all mothers, regardless of HIV status, in high HIV prevalence settings of South Africa is not frequently evaluated. This study aimed to describe practices of EBF and breastfeeding beyond 12 months, compare these between HIV exposed (HE(s)) and unexposed infants (HU(s)), and determine associated factors.

METHODS

A secondary objective analysis of data from a cross-sectional study conducted during September-December-2019 in a rural South African district, was performed. Mothers living with HIV (MLHIV) paired with their infants in the following age groups: 0 to 3, > 3 to 6, > 6 to 12, and > 12 to 24 months; and mother-infant pairs without HIV with infants aged > 3 to 6 months and > 12 to 24 months, were enrolled. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable binomial regression were used for analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 771 mother-infant pairs, 62% being MLHIV, were enrolled. Among HEs (including 10 living with HIV), the prevalence of EBF was 41.0% and 16.7% in 0-3, and, 3-6 months age-groups, respectively, and breastfeeding prevalence was 19% in 12-24 months age-group. Among HUs, the prevalence of EBF was 7.9% among 3-6 months old and breastfeeding prevalence was 38.0% among > 12-24 months old. Overall, 79.8% and 45.5% HUs and HEs aged 3-6 months were still breastfeeding, respectively. HEs were more likely to exclusively breastfeed at 3-6 months age compared to HUs (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 3.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55, 9.53). Breastfeeding practice at 12-24 months age was significantly less likely among HEs (versus HUs) and in infants with unmarried/non-cohabiting mothers (versus married/co-habiting) (aPR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27, 0.63 and aPR 0.66; 95% CI 0.47, 0.92), respectively). Among HEs, breastfeeding beyond 6 months was more likely among MLHIV with known HIV-negative male partners (versus known HIV concordant relationships).

CONCLUSION

In this study population, EBF was comparably more likely among HEs while breastfeeding beyond 12 months was more likely among HUs. Maternal marital status, frequency of antenatal care attendance and male partner's HIV status also influenced breastfeeding practice. Overall, there is still room for improvement regardless of infant HIV status, requiring continued client-sensitive strengthening of the implementation of the recommended breastfeeding practices.