Knowledge of women attending antenatal clinics on transmission of HIV through breast-feeding in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

Breast-feeding by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive mothers poses a risk of transmitting HIV infection from the mother to the baby. This study attempted to describe and explore the knowledge of antenatal women in Gaborone, Botswana on the transmission of HIV through breast-feeding.

The research results, obtained from interview schedules, revealed that the respondents had: a greater knowledge of transmission of HIV in adults than mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT); a moderate understanding of infant feeding methods; poor understanding of the risk of HIV transmission through different infant feeding methods and feelings that infant feeding method reveals ones HIV status, which indicate stigma and discrimination.

The study findings may assist health care providers to intensify educational programmes and counselling in the antenatal clinics and communities to reduce MTCT.