Infant-feeding pattern of HIV-positive women in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the infant-feeding choices, practices and possible determinants among HIV-positive women enrolled in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme in Ibadan, Nigeria.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey involving HIV-positive women who had received infant-feeding counselling prior to delivery. A structured questionnaire was administered at < or = 72 hrs and not > or = 6 weeks of delivery and was complemented with an in-depth interview.


RESULTS
A total of 241 women were studied. The choice of infant feeding was formula for 223 (93.5%) and in actual practice, 9 (3.7%) mothers admitted mixed feeding. There was no statistical significant difference between the feeding pattern and the socio-demographic characteristics. The major factor influencing the choice of infant feeding was "The desire to reduce the risk of transmission" which was recorded among 204 (84.6%) of the women. Greatest support in maintaining infant-feeding option was the spouse (36.1%). From the in-depth interview of 23 non-breastfeeding (infant formula) mothers, the major challenge faced was stigmatisation.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the premium placed on breastfeeding in this locality, with infant-feeding counselling, most HIV-positive women chose and practiced formula feeding. It is necessary to address how best HIV-positive mothers could handle or overcome criticisms and stigmatisation by others.
Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. ginaoladokun@yahoo.com
Regina E
RE
Oladokun
Biobele J
BJ
Brown
Kikelomo
K
Osinusi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005248:Feeding Methods; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009549:Nigeria; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult