Factors influencing the uptake for postnatal HIV re-test among breastfeeding mothers in Nkurenkuru district, Kavango West region, Namibia
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Date
2025
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A theses submitted in Partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Public Health
Keywords
Mother-to-child-transmission, Antiretroviral Therapy, Antenatal Care, Prevention of mother to child, Namibia, University of Namibia