A study to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of ante-natal mothers towards HIV transmission through breastfeeding in lusaka urban district.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of antenatal mothers on HIV transmission through breastfeeding. The study was conducted in Lusaka Urban District Health Centres, in October, 1999. Review of literature revealed the factors influencing HIV transmission through breastfeeding as inadequate information, educational level, maternal age, maternal parity, occupation, source of knowledge and knowledge and attitude of health care providers. A descriptive type of study was used. The sample consisted of fifty (50) antenatal mothers from five (5) health centres in which ten (10) respondents were chosen using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured interview schedule. It was sorted, categorized, coded and it was analysed systematically. The study revealed that although most respondents attained some form of education, there were some respondents who had never been to school. The study also revealed that the respondents knowledge on HIV transmission through breastfeeding was inadequate though the majority were aware of HIV/AIDS. Regarding attitude and practice, the study revealed that most of the respondents had a negative attitude towards breastfeeding when one became HIV positive. Most of the mothers were against 'wet' nursing.