Infant Feeding Methods among HIV-Positive Mothers in Yei County; South Sudan

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study describes the infant feeding methods chosen by HIV-positive mothers in Yei County; South Sudan and the factors that influenced their choice. Methods: This cross-sectional study used quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from a sample of HIV positive mothers from Yei Hospital Mother and Child Health (MCH) section; and St Bakhita Primary Health Care Centre.Results: The results showed that the mothers' levels of correct knowledge about HIV transmission to infants; and infant feeding guidelines to prevent transmission were high. Most mothers chose exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusions: The factors which were significantly associated with the choice of infant feeding methods included marital status; level of education; income; knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; cultural beliefs; social stigma and cost of infant feeding method: