A study to determine maternal knowledge and breastfeeding practices in relation to hiv transmission in chibombo district.

Abstract

Mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is a relatively new concept in rural populations, despite the huge amount of work that has been done.This study sought to examine the viable breast milk alternatives for mothers who would be HIV positive in Chibombo District. Fifty pregnant mothers were selected from women attending antenatal care at four rural health centres. The purpose of the study was to assess the maternal knowledge and breastfeeding practices. The findings would aid in making adjustments in the area of infant feeding so as to prevent HIV among children. Literature review was based on the studies conducted in countries all over the world, to try and establish the knowledge and the breast feeding practices in relation to HIV transmission. Data was collected using an interview schedule and was checked for its completeness and accuracy. The study findings revealed that 96% of respondents had heard about HIV and 76% of respondents had heard about exclusive breast-feeding. Only 38% of respondents had correct knowledge of what exclusive breastfeeding is, while 74% of respondents had knowledge that HIV could be transmitted through breast feeding. The study findings revealed that 96% of respondents had heard about HIV and 76% of respondents had heard about exclusive breast-feeding. Only 38% of respondents had correct knowledge of what exclusive breastfeeding is, while 74% of respondents had knowledge that HIV could be transmitted through breast feeding. Actually only 70% of the respondents were knowledgeable about HIV and breastfeeding. The main source of information for the respondents was the health centre. Furthermore, 52% of respondents exhibited bad breast feeding practices, with 30% of respondents who could consent to wet nursing. The dried powdered milk was a viable alternative infant feed with the varying social economic and /or nutritional constraints.