Abstract
BACKGROUND: For mothers identified as HIV-infected, recommended infant feeding practices must prioritize the highest likelihood of ensuring HIV-free survival for their children while preserving maternal health. Consequently, understanding the feeding status during critical infancy stages, especially under the risk of HIV, plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life within this specific population segment. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of recommended infant feeding practices and its associated factors among HIV-positive mothers in Eastern Ethiopian Hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in Eastern Ethiopian Hospitals from June to July 2022 included 371 mothers of infants. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data was collected through pre-tested structured face-to-face interviews administered by trained interviewers. Following data collection, information was cleaned and entered using Kobo tool collection software, then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the strength of association between explanatory and outcome variables. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in univariable logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression analysis, and statistical significance was determined at a P-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The magnitude of recommended feeding practice was found to be 86% (95% CI: 81.9, 89.1). HIV-positive mothers who had a child age of 0-6 months [AOR = 5.21 (95% CI: 2.54, 10.70], spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.05, 4.24], and ever provided expressed breast milk [AOR = 2.82 (95% CI: 1.33, 5.95] were significantly associated with recommended Infant feeding practice. CONCLUSION: the study identified a moderate level of adherence to recommended infant feeding practices among HIV-positive mothers in Eastern Ethiopian hospitals. Key factors influencing adherence included the child's age, mode of delivery, and the provision of expressed breast milk. Target interventions to improve infant feeding practices among HIV-positive mothers, focusing on younger infants, cesarean-delivered mothers, and those not providing expressed breast milk. Strengthen counseling and education in healthcare facilities to address these significant factors and enhance adherence to recommended feeding practices.