Awareness about feeding options for infants born to HIV positive mothers and mother to child transmission of HIV in Gurage zone, south Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Strategies to respond to the global HIV epidemic include preventing new infections and providing care
and support to infected individuals. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is one of the
strategies given high priority.
Objective: To assess awareness of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.
Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted in Gurage zone in October 13-28, 2004. A total of
657 participants were involved in the study. Data were collected by 12 grade completed trained enumerators using
structured interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: Overall, 84% of the respondents were aware of the recommended feeding options for infants below six
months born to HIV positive women. Subjects who had good knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and those residing in the
urban areas were more likely to mention the recommended feeding options, OR (95%CI)= 2.53(1.40, 4.56) and
(95%CI)= 1.83(1.13, 2.96), respectively. Only 24% mentioned that mother-to-child transmission occurs via breast
milk. Respondents with good knowledge on HIV/AIDS were twice likely to know the usefulness of VCT during
pregnancy in preventing MTCT, OR (95%CI)= 1.84(1.09, 3.09).
Conclusion: Awareness of the community about the risk of MTCT of HIV via breast milk was low. Urban residents
and those who had good knowledge on HIV/AIDS were more likely to have correct knowledge on the feeding option
for infants born to HIV positive mothers. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2007;21(1):40-47]