PRÁTICAS ALIMENTARES DE CRIANÇAS EXPOSTAS À TRANSMISSÃO VERTICAL DO HIV ACOMPANHADAS EM QUATRO SERVIÇOS ESPECIALIZADOS DE PORTO ALEGRE/RS FEEDING PRACTICES OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO HIV VERTICAL TRANSMISSION AND FOLLOWED UP AT FOUR SPECIALIZED CARE CENTERS IN PORTO ALEGRE, RS, BRAZIL

Introduction: Infant feeding practices in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are complex and have a major influence on child survival. Different recommendations on feeding practices may be used in this context. Aim: To describe the feeding practices of children exposed to HIV vertical transmission. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving children younger than six months followed up at HIV/AIDS specialized care centers. Data were collected by means of questionnaires answered by HIV mothers. Results: One hundred and fifty-six children were included in the study. Of these, 153 (98%) children started using infant formula soon after birth. In the present study, 26.3% of the children received cow milk before six months. In relation to the