Table 5 Participants' knowledge about mother-to-child transmission of HIV and infant feeding options (N = 388), Mbale, Uganda

(1) Is it possible that when the mother or the father is HIV positive

and their newborn child can be HIV negative?

Yes

296 (76.3)

(2) When can HIV be passed from a mother to her child?

   - during pregnancy

Yes

239 (61.6)

   - during labour

Yes

328 (84.5)

   - through breastfeeding

Yes

344 (88.7)

   - other^a

Yes

129 (33.2)

(3) If there are 10 HIV infected pregnant women, how many do

you think would have babies born with HIV virus?(between 0-10)

1-4

226 (58.2)

(4) How many babies could get HIV infected through breastfeeding

out of 10 HIV infected mothers?....(between 0-10)

1-3

147 (37.9)

(5) What can a mother do to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV

to her child during pregnancy?

   - taking antiretroviral drugs

Yes

323 (83.2)

   - having protected sex with her partner (condom use)

Yes

177 (45.6)

   - other ways^b

Yes

83 (21.4)

(6)Can an HIV infected mother do anything to reduce the risk of

transmission of HIV to her child during breastfeeding period?

Yes

335 (86.3)

(7) What can an HIV positive mother do to reduce the risk of getting

her baby infected with HIV during the breastfeeding period?

   - exclusively breastfeed for 6 months

Yes

244 (62.9)

   - not breastfeeding, give infant formula

Yes

240 (61.9)

   - not breastfeeding, give diluted cow's milk

Yes

268 (69.1)

   - good breast care (no sore or cracked nipples)

Yes

139 (35.8)

   - other ways^c

Yes

76 (19.6)

(8) If you were HIV positive, which infant feeding option would be

feasible to you? (Give only one answer)

   (a) - infant formula, no breast milk

45 (11.6)

   (b) - cow's milk, no breast milk

233 (60.1)

   (c) - breast milk only for 6 months

94 (24.2)

   (d) - other^d

13 (3.4)