Assessment of Intention and Practice of VCT And Infant Feeding In the Context of HIV/AIDs Among Lactating Mothers in Harar Town
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Date
2006-03
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
Introduction: - Mother-to-child transmission of HIV is the most significant route of
HIV infection in children and by far the largest source of HIV infection in children
below the age of 15 years
Objectives: - the aim of this study was to assess current practices and future intention
of lactating mothers on VCT and infant feeding in relation to prevention of MTCT of
HIV in Harar town.
Methods: - A community based cross sectional quantitative survey supplemented with
a qualitative method was conducted from January to February 2006 using
standardized questionnaire, among lactating mothers in Harar town selected using
probability proportional to size.
Results: - Lactating mothers had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS but fair knowledge on
MTCT and PMTCT of HIV. Intention to undergo VCT had significant association with
knowledge about PMTCT. Practices of VCT had significant association with age of
mothers, parity, frequency of ANC check-up, HIV knowledge, PMTCT knowledge and
attitude towards PLWHA.
Conclusion: - There is a high intention to undergo VCT whereas only few mothers
have undergone the test, indicating a wide gap between intention and practice. The
mothers’ breast feeding practice in the context of HIV and nutrition is risky as
suboptimal breast feeding practices are widespread.
Recommendation: - Increasing utilization of MTCT, PMTCT, and VCT including
optimal infant feeding requires IEC and BCC. Information, Education
Communication (IEC) and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) on VCT,
MTCT, PMTCT and infant feeding shall be strengthened. Establish communication/
referral network between health facilities and organizations working on HIV/AIDS,
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working towards alleviating the problem that social stigma poses on mothers’
adoption of safer infant feeding options to prevent MTCT of HIV and full day VCT
services shall be made available for mothers seeking delivery services in hospitals to
minimize missed opportunities.
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Keywords
Feeding In the Context of HIV/AIDS