Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practice in HIV-positive mothers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge levels of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and EBF practice among HIV-positive mothers, who had babies aged 0–6 months. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 81 study participants. A structured interview schedule was used to question participants on practice and knowledge. A Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix was used to explore the relationship between knowledge and practice. Results showed a positive significant relationship between knowledge levels of EBF and EBF practice (r=.313, P=<.01), which suggests that as knowledge levels increase, EBF practice increases. A change in EBF knowledge explained a 9.8% change in EBF practice. Knowledge plays a critical role in the practice of EBF. A total of 54 (66.7%) of the participants strongly agreed that babies should be given milk for the first 6 months to reduce HIV transmission. This result supports the World Health Organization's policy, which advocates for EBF in HIV-positive mothers living in resource-restricted settings such as Zimbabwe.