254411 Is Breast Still Best? A Narrative Review of Current Literature on HIV & Infant Feeding in the Developing World

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 9:05 AM - 9:15 AM

Tyra Gross, MPH , Health Promotion & Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Alex Kojo Anderson, PhD, MPH, CPH , Department of Foods & Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
  
     
Breastmilk is the most adequate form of nutrition for infants 6 months and younger, and during the weaning process with appropriate complementary foods for young children. However, there is a debate on whether the benefits of breastfeeding on infant morbidity and mortality outweigh the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV or replacement feeding in HIV-exposed infants in developing countries. This review highlights newly revised World Health Organization guidelines on HIV and infant feeding, infant feeding practices in HIV-infected mothers in developing countries, and determinants that impact HIV-infected mothers' decision to or to not breastfeed. Additionally, this review identifies gaps in the literature needing to be investigated by future research.

Learning Areas:
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
• Discuss newly revised WHO guidelines on HIV and infant feeding • Describe infant feeding practices in HIV+ mothers in developing countries • Discuss factors that impact HIV+ mothers’ decisions to or to not breastfeed.

Keywords: Breast Feeding, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conducted a review of the literature and prepared a manuscript for publication on this topic and have experience in maternal & child health and nutrition research
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5071.0: Breastfeeding Practices: Drivers and Outcomes