title: Factors influencing infant-feeding choices selected by HIV-infected mothers: perspectives from Zimbabwe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess factors influencing infant-feeding methods selected by HIV-infected mothers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 80 mothers with babies aged 0-6 months who were randomly selected and interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Factors considered by women in choosing the infant-feeding methods included sociocultural acceptability (58.8%), feasibility and support from significant others (35%), knowledge of the selected method (55%), affordability (61.2%), implementation of the infant-feeding method without interference (62.5%), and safety (47.5%). Exclusive breast-feeding was the most preferred method of infant feeding. Disclosure of HIV status by a woman to her partner is a major condition for successful replacement feeding method, especially within the African cultural context. However, disclosure of HIV status to the partner was feared by most women as only 16.2% of the women disclosed their HIV status to partners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The factors considered by women in choosing the infant-feeding option were ability to implement the options without interference from significant others, affordability, and sociocultural acceptability. Knowledge of the selected option, its advantages and disadvantages, safety, and feasibility were also important factors. Nurses and midwives have to educate clients and support them in their choice of infant-feeding methods.
authors.affiliation: Gweru Provincial Hospital, Gweru.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marembo
authors.forename: Mathilda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zvinavashe
authors.forename: Rudo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nyamakura
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shaibu
authors.forename: Keitshokile Dintle
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Mogobe
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn
keywords: HIV-infected mothers; Zimbabwe; culture; infant-feeding choices; mother-to-child transmission