Eastern Kentucky University
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of HIV and Breastfeeding: A Study of HIV Positive Mothers in Tanzania
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Laurie Larkin
Abstract
In our study, we attempt to explain how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of exclusively breastfeeding their children are influenced by the level of education obtained and socioeconomic status of their household. We hypothesized that HIV positive mothers will have low levels of breastfeeding knowledge and negative attitudes and perceptions of breastfeeding. In addition, we hypothesized that breast feeding knowledge, attitudes, and perception scores will be directly related to education level and socioeconomic status. Participants (n = 35) were women from communities in Dar es Saleem, Tanzania and they were given a questionnaire. Level of education plays a significant role in the women’s knowledge about exclusively breastfeeding their children while being HIV positive. Women’s attitudes were more positive towards breastfeeding when they felt financially secure. Implications for health promotion of maternal and child health are discussed.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of HIV and Breastfeeding: A Study of HIV Positive Mothers in Tanzania
In our study, we attempt to explain how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of exclusively breastfeeding their children are influenced by the level of education obtained and socioeconomic status of their household. We hypothesized that HIV positive mothers will have low levels of breastfeeding knowledge and negative attitudes and perceptions of breastfeeding. In addition, we hypothesized that breast feeding knowledge, attitudes, and perception scores will be directly related to education level and socioeconomic status. Participants (n = 35) were women from communities in Dar es Saleem, Tanzania and they were given a questionnaire. Level of education plays a significant role in the women’s knowledge about exclusively breastfeeding their children while being HIV positive. Women’s attitudes were more positive towards breastfeeding when they felt financially secure. Implications for health promotion of maternal and child health are discussed.