| dc.description.abstract | Background: Breast milk is regarded as a gold standard for optimal nutrition of a child below two years. Unfortunately, some infants don't have access to their mother's milk. Strategies to improve and promote access to breast milk include the establishment of human breast milk banks. Uganda is currently piloting its first human breast milk bank. However, little is documented on the perceptions and acceptability of the use of donated breast milk in Uganda.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the perceptions and acceptability of using donated breast milk and associated factors among mothers, fathers and health workers at Nsambya and Naguru Hospitals in Kampala District, Central Uganda.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was conducted. Data were collected using 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 19 KIIs to explore the perceptions on donated milk among respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. Furthermore, a semi-structured questionnaire administered through interviews was used to determine the acceptability of donated milk and associated factors, and respondents were recruited through systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were used to analyze quantitative data using Stata 14 and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: A total of 244 pregnant mothers were enrolled in the study. Overall, 61.5% (n=150) of the mothers accepted donated milk. Factors associated with the acceptability of donated milk included: higher education (adjusted mean difference, vocational/technical level versus primary level, 1.282; 95% CI, 0.364,2.199), mother’s religion (adjusted mean difference, Muslim versus Christian 1.112; 95% CI, 0.730, 1.493), and presence of a serious medical condition (adjusted mean difference, formula versus donated milk, -2.873; 95% CI, -4.192,-1.553 and cow milk versus donated milk -4.622; 95% CI, -4.869,-4.375). Four main themes were identified: perceptions towards donated breast milk use and banking, perceptions towards the donor, perceived fears towards donated breast milk and improving acceptability for donated breast milk use. Although respondents expressed positive views on donated milk, there were concerns regarding its use, particularly the fear of gene and trait transfer and safety issues.
Conclusion: Donated breast milk use and banking were acceptable. Public awareness and multi-stakeholder engagement could enhance the acceptability of donated breast milk. Further research should focus on understanding the social-cultural beliefs regarding donated milk. | en_US |
