scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice of infant feeding in the first 6 months among HIV-positive mothers at the Queen Mamohato Memorial hospital clinics, Maseru, Lesotho

Author(s):  
Stephen O. Olorunfemi ◽  
Lilian Dudley

Background: The balance between the risks of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through breastfeeding and its life-saving benefits complicates decisions about infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers in the first 6 months.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers attending the prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in Maseru, Lesotho.Method and setting: This observational cross-sectional study was done by collecting data from HIV-positive mothers attending the filter clinics of Queen Mamohato Memorial hospital in Maseru, Lesotho. HIV-positive mothers with infants below the age of 6 months attending the clinics at the time of the study were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire. We described the sociodemographic profile of the mothers, the information and education received on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) infant feeding options, the mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of infant feeding, and assessed risk factors for improved knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: The majority (96%) of the 191 HIV-positive mothers who participated in the survey knew about the PMTCT programme and related breastfeeding services. Most of the participants chose to breastfeed (89%), while only 8% formula-fed their infants. Knowledge received during the PMTCT programme was significantly associated with the decision to exclusively breastfeed their infants. Earlier infant feeding counselling and education was associated with more exclusively breastfeeding as compared to late infant feeding counselling (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study found that HIV-positive mothers attending health clinics in Maseru, Lesotho, had high knowledge, and appropriate attitudes and practices with respect to infant feeding; and that early counselling and education improved infant feeding methods among these mothers.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Azagoh-Kouadio Richard ◽  
Yeboua Kossonou Roland ◽  
Yao Kouassi Christian ◽  
Kouassi-Kouadio Amenan Cécile ◽  
Aholi Jean Michel ◽  
...  

Introduction. In sub-Saharan Africa, many adolescents living with HIV adopt behaviors and practices at risk of transmitting this infection. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-positive adolescents regarding the transmission of HIV for the prevention of this disease. Methods. Knowledge Attitude Practical Survey (KAP) conducted from June 20 to August 22, 2018 in pediatrics at the University Hospital of Treichville. It included consenting HIV-positive adolescents followed up in the voluntary testing counseling unit. The variables studied related to sociodemographic aspects, knowledge, attitude, and practice relating to the transmission of HIV. The analysis was descriptive. Results. The active queue was 349 children, including 210 adolescents. Fifty adolescents (22 boys and 28 girls) participated in the study, a participation rate of 24%. The average age of the participants was 16 years (extreme 10 and 19 years). The respondent was an orphan (38%), a secondary school (58%), and separated living parents in 42%. He stated that he did not know he was infected in 62%, and that he had sex with at least one partner in 54%. He knew the modes of transmission and the means of prevention in 72% of the cases. He knew that an HIV-positive adolescent could transmit the disease in 68%, and that HIV/AIDS was incurable in 40%. 42% of respondents said that an infected person on ARVs was contagious. Twenty-nine respondents who had a partner said they had unprotected sex in 58%. All of the adolescents surveyed said that they did not talk to friends and family about HIV. Conclusion. The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV-positive adolescents regarding HIV/AIDS transmission is insufficient. We suggest setting up a therapeutic HIV/AIDS education program for these adolescents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala ◽  
Getruida Shikukumwa ◽  
Medusalem Hangula Joel

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, over 1,000 newborns are infected with HIV every day, despite available medical in- terventions. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains one of the primary sources of HIV infection in children and without interventions 40% of babies born from HIV-positive mothers would be infected with the virus. It is estimated that 300 000 children become infected with HIV worldwide, whilst 1.5 million children die when their mothers opt for other choices instead of breastfeeding. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive mothers regarding the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, Kavango East Region in Namibia. Method: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used convenience sampling, as the researcher sought to use subjects available during the time of study to select 79 HIV positive mothers. Results: Participants in this study (94%; n=51) had good knowledge of the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding and that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. The results confirmed that (77.2%; n=42) of the mothers opted to take ART with the babies until they stop breastfeeding. Conclusion: HIV positive mothers had good knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the benefits of exclusive breast- feeding. A significant number of mothers were, however, not sure about breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months as they would stop if offered free formula milk for the baby. Support by the fathers and others in the community is vital. Keywords: Knowledge; HIV; breastfeeding; attitudes; practices; HIV-positive mothers; Namibia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniale Tekelia Ekubagewargies ◽  
Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen ◽  
Tsehayu Melak Siyoum

Introduction. The world health organization recommends feeding practices for infants born from Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected mothers to be safe to both the infant and the mother. This includes prevention of mother to child transmission of the virus and at the same time meeting nutritional requirements of the child. This requires prioritizing prevention of HIV transmission through breastfeeding against non-HIV morbidity and mortality especially from malnutrition and serious illnesses such as diarrhea, among nonbreastfed infants. Objective. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy towards infant feeding. Method. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 HIV positive mothers at ART clinics of Gondar town from March 1 to April 18, 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data was entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Result. A total of 402 participants were interviewed with a 100% response rate. The mean age of participants was 29.24 (SD±10.06) years. The overall level of participant good knowledge and favorable attitude was 68.91% and 75.87%, respectively. Only 23.7% of mothers were practicing infant feeding according to WHO recommendation.


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