ABSTRACT.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV has posed a significant public health challenge, with infant feeding practices playing an important role in prevention strategies. In resource-limited areas like Abia state, Nigeria, understanding and implementing optimal feeding approaches for HIV-positive mothers is critical for infant survival and health.This study was aimed to examine the knowledge, adherence to recommended practices, their attitude towards feeding methods and factors influencing feeding choices.A cross-sectional study using multiple stage sampling to select respondents, was conducted among 112 HIV-positive mothers attending ART clinics in selected health facilities in Abia state. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews, focusing on feeding practices, knowledge of transmission risks, and adherence to the recommended infant feeding guidelines by WHO.  In this study, more than half of the participating mothers (56%) displayed a good level of knowledge about young child feeding practices, while (25.7%) showed moderate knowledge, and (18.3%) demonstrated poor knowledge. The majority of mothers (60.6%) expressed positive attitudes toward recommended feeding methods, suggesting a general acceptance of these guidelines, (22.9%) had neutral attitude while (16.5%) had negative attituderespectively. About 56.9% of the mother indicated that they have experience stigma to feeding choices while (43.1%) indicated no. more than half (79.8%) of the mothers partner/family has been very supportive to feeding choice while (5.5%) not supportive. This comprehensive study examined the knowledge, attitude and practices of HIV-positive mothers towards infant and young child feeding. It reveals encouraging levels of knowledge and attitude towards optimal feeding practices. With more than half of participants (60.6 %) demonstrating good knowledge, there is a strong foundation for promoting safe and effective infant feeding among this population. However, a notable proportion of mothers (25.7%) still have inadequate knowledge, highlighting the need for continued education efforts, importance of comprehensive counseling and support for HIV-positive mothers in implementing safe infant feeding practices. Targeted interventions addressing knowledge gaps, socioeconomic challenges and stigma and provide access to resources are essential to improve PMTCT outcomes in the region. 

ABSTRACT.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV has posed a significant public health challenge, with infant feeding practices playing an important role in prevention strategies. In resource-limited areas like Abia state, Nigeria, understanding and implementing optimal feeding approaches for HIV-positive mothers is critical for infant survival and health.This study was aimed to examine the knowledge, adherence to recommended practices, their attitude towards feeding methods and factors influencing feeding choices.A cross-sectional study using multiple stage sampling to select respondents, was conducted among 112 HIV-positive mothers attending ART clinics in selected health facilities in Abia state. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews, focusing on feeding practices, knowledge of transmission risks, and adherence to the recommended infant feeding guidelines by WHO.  In this study, more than half of the participating mothers (56%) displayed a good level of knowledge about young child feeding practices, while (25.7%) showed moderate knowledge, and (18.3%) demonstrated poor knowledge. The majority of mothers (60.6%) expressed positive attitudes toward recommended feeding methods, suggesting a general acceptance of these guidelines, (22.9%) had neutral attitude while (16.5%) had negative attituderespectively. About 56.9% of the mother indicated that they have experience stigma to feeding choices while (43.1%) indicated no. more than half (79.8%) of the mothers partner/family has been very supportive to feeding choice while (5.5%) not supportive. This comprehensive study examined the knowledge, attitude and practices of HIV-positive mothers towards infant and young child feeding. It reveals encouraging levels of knowledge and attitude towards optimal feeding practices. With more than half of participants (60.6 %) demonstrating good knowledge, there is a strong foundation for promoting safe and effective infant feeding among this population. However, a notable proportion of mothers (25.7%) still have inadequate knowledge, highlighting the need for continued education efforts, importance of comprehensive counseling and support for HIV-positive mothers in implementing safe infant feeding practices. Targeted interventions addressing knowledge gaps, socioeconomic challenges and stigma and provide access to resources are essential to improve PMTCT outcomes in the region.