ABSTRACT
Background: Preventing transmission of HIV from mother to child after birth is one of the greatest challenges in HIV prevention. Aim: To evaluate the infant feeding practices among HIV-positive mothers and the factors that influenced their decisions at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study carried out at the paediatric HIV follow-up clinic between 1st January and 31st March 2014. Analysis was carried out using SSPS version 10.0 (Chicago IL, USA). P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Fifty four HIV-Positive mothers were evaluated. The mean (standard deviation) for age of the respondents was 29.7 (4.2) years. Thirty two respondents (59.3%) practiced replacement feeding, 14(29.9%) practiced mixed feeding while 8(14.8%) practiced exclusive breast feeding. Of the mothers that practiced mixed feeding, 10(71.4%) did not receive counseling on infant feeding practices. Replacement feeding was adopted by 27 (84.4%) of respondents for fear of transmission of HIV to their children. Disclosure of status and counseling were independently significantly associated with the adoption of recommended infant feeding methods (EBF and RF) P<0.05. Conclusion: Exposure to counseling on infant feeding methods was low. Current guidelines on infant feeding methods should be disseminated through structured counseling sessions at Maternity care centres for HIV-positive mothers.
ABSTRACT
Background: Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018); while the selenium level decreased (P 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced. Conclusion: High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy