Browsing by Author "Andreas, Saara"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors influencing the uptake for postnatal HIV re-test among breastfeeding mothers in Nkurenkuru district, Kavango West region, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Andreas, Saara; Alfeus, Anna
    Postnatal mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV can occur breastfeeding. About 90% of children living with HIV acquired it through their mothers. Postnatal MTCT of HIV from breastmilk is one of the concerns placing a burden on paediatric HIV infection elimination efforts. Therefore, postnatal HIV re-testing is crucial in the detection of acute infections among breastfeeding mothers to prevent avoidable MTCT of HIV. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing postnatal HIV retesting uptake among breastfeeding mothers in Nkurenkuru district. The study was carried out among breastfeeding mothers who were HIV-negative at delivery from 7 participating health facilities in Nkurenkuru district (Gcaruhwa Clinic, Mbambi Clinic, Mpungu H.C, Nankudu Clinic, Nkurenkuru H.C, Rupara H.C, and Tondoro H.C) with a sample size of 342 in October 2023. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. All respondents consented in writing and the researcher used a questionnaire to collect the study data. The data was cleaned and analysed using Epi Info 7.2 version. Dependent and independent variables association was tested using Chi-square test, with the statistical significance acceptance of p-value ≤0.05. This study found a declining HIV retest uptake among breastfeeding mothers. Out of 342 mothers enrolled, 280 (82%) were tested 3 months after delivery, and only 22 (7%) were tested by month 12. Education level (χ2 = 18.25, p < 0.001), ANC visits count (χ2 = 18.25, p < 0.001), and parity (χ2 = 36.44, p < 0.000) were associated with HIV retesting among breastfeeding mothers. Factors influencing the uptake of postnatal HIV retesting among breastfeeding mothers are the mother’s education level, ANC visits, and parity. The study recommends the Ministry of Health to strengthen awareness and on-going health education on the importance and benefits of consistent postnatal HIV retesting among breastfeeding mothers, as well as ensuring testing accessibility through outreach programs