“Magnitude Of Mixed Infant Feeding Practice And Associated Factors Among HIV-Positive Mothers Of Infants Aged 0–6 Months At Public Health Facilities In Gulalle Sub- City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Mixed infant feeding is not recommended for HIV positive breast feeding mothers since it increases the risk of vertical HIV transmission from mothers to newborns. There were limited evidence on mixed infant feeding and associated factors of HIV-positive mothers with infants younger than six months. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of mixed infant feeding practice and associated factors among HIV-positive mothers of infants aged 0–6 months at public health facilities in Gulalle sub- city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025 Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 286 HIV-positive mothers of their infants aged 0–6 months at public health facilities in Gulalle sub - city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study participants were selected from all health facilities by systematic random sampling from May 15 –August 15, 2025. Data were collected via interviewer administered structured questionnaire and kobo toolbox, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Descriptive statics was conducted to describe frequency of variable. The presence of association between outcome variable and different independent variable were assessed by using binary logistic regression. Bivariable and multivariable model analysis were conducted. Variable which p-value <0.25 was selected for further analysis, multivariable analysis to control confounding factors.Ajusted odds ratio with 95% confidence and p-value <0.05 was used to declare presence of significant association. Result. Among 286 women participating in the study 18.5%) [95 %CI (14.2%-23.5%] of HIV- positive women practice mixed infant feeding. Mixed infant feeding was statistically associated with large family size (AOR=2.190; 95% CI: 1.017, 4.720). Mothers who had breast problem (AOR=6.861; 95% CI: 1.856, 25.355). And mothers with low birth weight (AOR=4.361; 95% CI: 1.614, 11.781). Conclusion. The magnitude of mixed infant feeding practice was comparable with reports other studies conducted in Ethiopia and its predictors were large family size, low birth weight and breast problem. Hence, stakeholders should manage of breast problem and provide counseling to ix the mothers how they feed their infant with their family members especially during antenatal and postnatal visits.