Abstract:
Background: Inappropriate complementary feeding is the one of the major causes of child under nutrition. There is scarcity of information regarding optimal complementary feeding among HIV exposed children in Ethiopia.
Objectives: To assess optimal complementary feeding practice and associated factors among HIV exposed infants and children aged 6-18 months in selected Amhara region hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017.
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March26 to April 30, 2017. A total of 420 study participants were included in the study. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants. Pretested,-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into EPI INFO version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Both Bivariable and Multivariable analysis were applied to identify factors associated with optimal complementary feeding.
Result: the prevalence of optimal complementary feeding among HIV exposed children was 25.2% (95%CI: 21, 29%). Child age; 9-11 months [AOR= 2.26; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.08], 12-18 months [AOR= 3.69; 95%CI: 1.76, 7.75], rich wealth status [AOR= 2.52; 95%CI: 1.33, 4.77], mother’s HIV disclosure status [AOR= 1.98; 95%CI: 1.18, 3.32], father’s educational status; primary [AOR= 2.14; 95%CI: 1.04, 4.42], secondary [AOR= 2.14; 95%CI: 1.07, 4.26], Diploma and above [AOR= 2.58; 95%CI: 1.33, 5.00] were found to be associated with optimal complementary feeding.
Conclusion: This study revealed that optimal complementary feeding was low compared to WHO recommendation. Child age, household wealth status, mother’s HIV disclosure status and paternal educational status were associated with optimal complementary feeding practice among HIV exposed children. Therefore, strengthening of maternal counseling on HIV disclosure and complementary feeding initiation is recommended.
