Exclusive Breastfeeding And Prevention Of Mother To Child Transmission Of Hiv Among Pregnant Women

1.3 Objective of the study

1. To evaluate the extent exclusive breastfeeding is in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection as compared to exclusive formula feeding and/ or mixed feeding with the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis. 

2. To examine the extent the use of exclusive breastfeeding has helped to reduce mortality rates in exclusive breast-fed infants.

3. To find out the extent exclusive breast-fed infants have had HIV-free survival. 

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions guide this study:

1. To what extent has exclusive breastfeeding helped in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection?

2. To what extent has the use of exclusive breastfeeding helped to reduce mortality rates in exclusive breast-fed infants?

3. To what extent has exclusive breast-fed infants have had HIV-free survival? 

1.5 Significance of the study

Individual study results can often not be generalised. By combining outcomes of various trials, this systemic review can yield reliable and evidence based results. The primary aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and review the evidence based on the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding in the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child as compared to exclusive formula feeding. Across the studies, the efficacy of exclusive breastfeeding has been determined through comparison with exclusive formula feeding and mixed feeding. The secondary aim was to summarize evidence on mortality and HIV free survival in HIV exposed breastfed infants. Therefore, results of this research will inform practice and awareness can be raised regarding effective feeding options in HIV exposed infants in both, the community and among patients. The study will serve as reference material for further research.

1.6 Scope of the study

The Study focuses on evaluating the extent exclusive breastfeeding is in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection as compared to exclusive formula feeding and/ or mixed feeding with the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis, finding out the extent the use of exclusive breastfeeding has helped to reduce mortality rates in exclusive breast-fed infants, and discover the extent exclusive breast-fed infants have had HIV-free survival. The study use Lagos State College of Health Technology, fondly called LASCOHET as the case study.

1.7 Definition of terms

AIDS: An abbreviation for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. 

Antiretroviral therapy: It is the therapy given to reduce HIV transmission from mother to infant or to treat the infection. In developing countries a single dose of nevirapine remains widely used and has been proven to reduce HIV transmission via breast milk during the early postpartum period when the majority of breast milk transmission occurs (Lehman et al 2008:2). 

Exclusive breastfeeding: Implies that an infant receives only breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water, with the exception of drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements or medicines (Newell, 2004:1). ?

Formula feeding: Infant milk artificially prepared with more or less similar contents as breast milk but does not contain colostrum. (Nolte 2007:249) 

HIV: human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other diseases. 

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