Knowledge, attitude and practices oe infant feeding options in the context of PMTCT of HIV: a case study of Kinondoni - Dar es salaam
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Date
2008
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
1'hc study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of HIVĀ
positive mothers on infant feeding options in the context of PMTCT of HIV. The
focus of the study was in clinics situated in Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam
City. Interviews using questionnaires were used to collect data from sampled
respondents. The interviews were held at the PMTCT clinics and followed by
observations al homes. Data collected were analyzed by using Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS) computer programme version 12.0. The study noted that HIVĀ
positive mothers practiced two common options of feeding their infants after
delivery. These were exclusive breastfeeding for less than six months and no breast
feeding (i.e. exclusive use of replacement milk). However, low rates of adherence to
instructions during preparation were also noted. More than 90% had poor adherence
and only 7.8% followed correctly all the required procedures. About 86% showed
poor hygienic practices. Furthermore, the study revealed that the PMTCT
programme was neither performing enough demonstrations to mothers on the
appropriate feeding methods nor making sufficient follow ups. Health workers (97.8
%) were reported to be the major source of the information. Services from other
institutions other than PMTCT clinics, such as provision of replacement milk, were
not provided to most of the respondents (87.7%). Constraints like stigma, poor
affordability of replacement milk were noted to have some effect on the initial
decision for the infant feeding option. The study recommends sensitization of key
community members to support the HIV-positive mothers. There is a need for
placement of a nutritionist in every PMTCT clinic to work on dietary and feeding
issues together with conducting regular training to counselors on infant feeding
methods.
Description
Master's Theses
Keywords
HIV-positive mothers-Knowledge, Infant feeding-HIV-positive mothers, Kinondoni - Dar es salaam