Knowledge, attitudes and practices on infant feeding options among HIV positive mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices among HIV positive mothers on infant feeding options. Infant feeding options choice is a problem to HIV positive mothers because of sociocultural stigma and superstitions attached to non-breast feeders. It is also not always easy to disclose an HIV positive status to the husband. With stigma associated with not breastfeeding and lack of knowledge may expose babies to HIV infection. HIV positive mothers need information to make informed choices about infant feeding options based on both the efficacy of the methods and a clear understanding of the risks associated with optional feeding methods. The compounding problem in infant feeding options is that there are no individualized counselors and support groups on breast and replacement feeding.