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other·pediatrics, public health, nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine·PMC10186730

“ It’s just like a blood transfusion” : perceptions on the use of donated breast milk in selected hospitals in central Uganda: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health · 6 authors, 4 centres

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TL;DR

This qualitative study explored perceptions of donated breast milk among mothers, fathers, and health workers at two Ugandan hospitals. The central finding was that participants held both positive perceptions, such as viewing donated milk as nutritious and akin to a blood transfusion, and negative perceptions, including concerns about disgust, gene transfer, and safety.

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This qualitative descriptive study used focus group discussions and key informant interviews with 67 participants at two hospitals in central Uganda to explore perceptions of donated breast milk. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: positive and negative perceptions. Positive perceptions included the belief that donated breast milk is nutritious, similar to a blood transfusion, helps babies who cannot access maternal milk, and avoids formula or cow's milk.

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other

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pediatrics

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10186730

“ It’s just like a blood transfusion” : perceptions on the use of donated breast milk in selected hospitals in central Uganda: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Breast milk is crucial for the nutritional and developmental milestones in the first two years of life. Uganda has recognized the need for a human milk bank as an opportunity that offers reliable and healthy milk to babies who lack access to their mothers. However, there is little information on the perceptions towards donated breast milk in Uganda. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of mothers, fathers, and health workers on the use of donated breast milk at Nsambya and Naguru hospitals in Kampala district, central Uganda. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at Nsambya and Naguru hospitals in central Uganda. The study consisted of 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) of 6 participants each and 19 key informant interviews (KIIs) among mothers, fathers, and health workers. Participants were purposively selected. Data collected were transcribed, translated from Luganda to English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. All data were organized and managed in Nvivo version 12.0. Results A total of 67 participants were involved in the study. Two main themes were identified: positive perceptions and negative perceptions. Participants linked donated breast milk to blood transfusion, believed it had nutrients comparable to the biological mother’s milk, and thought it was an opportunity to avoid formula or cow milk and help babies that cannot access breast milk. However, the notable negative perceptions were; the feeling that donated breast milk is disgusting, could result in acquiring non-parental genes and traits, and that it was unsafe. Participants also feared that donated breast milk could be expensive and affect the bond between mother and child. Conclusion In summary, participants had positive perceptions about donated breast milk but were concerned about the potential side effects. Health workers should take extra precautions to ensure that donated breast milk is safe. The development of appropriate information and communication programs to sensitize the public about the benefits of donated breast milk will improve the uptake. Further research should focus on understanding the social-cultural beliefs regarding donated breast milk. Keywords: Human milk banking, Perceptions, Donated breast milk

CITATION EXPORT

Mary Gorreth Namuddu, David Mukunya, Victoria Nakibuuka et al.. “It’s just like a blood transfusion”: perceptions on the use of donated breast milk in selected hospitals in central Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15648-1

AUTHORS

6 · 4 CENTRES

Mary Gorreth Namuddu, David Mukunya, Victoria Nakibuuka, Esther Amulen, Ritah Nantale, Juliet Kiguli

1School of Public Health, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
2Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
3Department of Research, Nikao Medical Center, Kampala, Uganda
4Department of Paediatrics, Nsambya Hospital, P.O. Box 7146, Kampala, Uganda