• Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala, Getruida Shikukumwa, and Medusalem Hangula Joel.
• Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia.
• Afr Health Sci. 2021 Sep 1; 21 (3): 1074-1082.

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, over 1,000 newborns are infected with HIV every day, despite available medical interventions. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains one of the primary sources of HIV infection in children and without interventions 40% of babies born from HIV-positive mothers would be infected with the virus. It is estimated that 300 000 children become infected with HIV worldwide, whilst 1.5 million children die when their mothers opt for other choices instead of breastfeeding.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive mothers regarding the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, Kavango East Region in Namibia.MethodThe study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used convenience sampling, as the researcher sought to use subjects available during the time of study to select 79 HIV positive mothers.ResultsParticipants in this study (94%; n=51) had good knowledge of the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding and that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. The results confirmed that (77.2%; n=42) of the mothers opted to take ART with the babies until they stop breastfeeding.ConclusionHIV positive mothers had good knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. A significant number of mothers were, however, not sure about breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months as they would stop if offered free formula milk for the baby. Support by the fathers and others in the community is vital.© 2021 Ashipala DO et al.

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