Abstract:
In developing countries, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains
the best and safest source of nutrition and a recommended
method of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV
in combination with use of prophylactic anti-retrovirals. Other
feeding options could be detrimental to the infant if the
mother cannot afford the recommended replacement feeds and
expose the infants to diarrhoeal diseases and malnutrition,
which could lead to early mortality. Despite this evidence,
EBF ranges from 3.2 to 13% in Kenya. The aim of this study
was to identify knowledge, attitude and practice in adherence
to EBF among 188 HIV-positive women with children aged
6-12 months in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a descriptive crosssectional
study using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Participants were interviewed using semi-structured
questionnaires. In addition, two focus group discussions were
conducted and key informants from the health facility were
also interviewed. The results showed that 69.1% of women
EBF. The following factors influenced adherence to EBF
positively: presence of main breadwinner (OR=3.44, P=0.003),
food availability (P=<0.001), mastitis (P=0.002), knowledge of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV (P=<0.001), being taught
about EBF in antenatal and postnatal classes (OR=7.78,
P=0.002), expressing breast milk (P=<0.001), disclosure
of HIV status to husband (OR=2.46, P=0.007) and relative
(OR=2.29, P=0.033). In conclusion, information sharing of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV antenatally and postnatally
should be strengthened in the health facilities. Additionally,
mothers should also be taught how to express breast milk.