Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers
Kgabo M Mabotja1, Annette van Onselen2, Reno E Gordon1
1Department of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.
Background:
Assessment of infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive breastfeeding mothers may determine compliance with the chosen feeding method.
Aim:
The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices on infant feeding among HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers.
Setting:
The study was conducted at five clinics in the Chief Albert Luthuli sub-district of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenient sample of 155 HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers.
Results:
More than half of the participants (54.8%) were knowledgeable of exclusive breastfeeding in general. However, less than half were knowledgeable of exclusive breastfeeding in the context of HIV (46.5%), mixed feeding (28.4%) and replacement feeding (49.0%). Most participants (85.8%) reported that they were advised to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, 61.3% intended to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, and 29% intended to stop breastfeeding at 6 months. Most participants (64.5%) intended to introduce solids at 6 months, and for participants who intended to introduce solids before 6 months, 37.7% did not believe that exclusive breastfeeding was sufficient for the baby.
Conclusion:
Although most participants were knowledgeable about exclusive breastfeeding, there were misconceptions that required attention such as the lack of knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in the context of HIV, mixed feeding and replacement feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was the most emphasised infant feeding practice.
Contribution:
This study builds on existing literature on infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices and provides a basis for interventions for improved exclusive breastfeeding rates.
More Related Videos
05:04A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
13:00Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus
Published on: July 31, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...