Infant Feeding Experience of Hiv Positive Mothers Utilizing Pmtct Services: The Case of Tikur Anbassa Hospital
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Date
2009-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Mother to Child Transmission of HIV can occur during pregnancy, delivelY, and breastfeeding
and it accounts for more than 90% of pediatric AIDS Various studies indicate that the
rate of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV is high among infants who were on mixed feeding.
UNICEF UNA IDS and WHO recommended that, all women have the right to choose exclusive
breastfeeding or exclusive replacement feeding. However, numerous contextual factors can
influence mothers in their choices and decisions related to what and how they feed their infants.
An understanding of factors that influence women's adherence to the recommended infant
feeding is critical in identifying ductile point's intervention.
The study aims explore the experiences of infant feeding practices of HIV positive women who
have used Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission service.
Qualitative data was collected by the principal investigator using semi structured in-depth
interview from 12 HIV Positive mothers who use PMTCT service at Tikur Anbassa hospital and
was analyzed using principles of thematic content analysis.
Most of the informants have opted for Exclusive breast-feeding due to economic reasons.
Moreover, the long-standing community belief that aI/aches breast-feeding with motherhood
also has an implication not to choose replacement feeding. Fear of disclosure and practicing
exclusive infant feeding in an area where predominant breastfeeding is a norm are important
challenge that affects mothers well being because of ostracization and stigma, which makes
their lives difficult in the community. The velY basic essence of coping strategy is the mother 's
ambition to have HIV free child. Most of the Study informants have appreciated the PMTCT
services. The study has explored issues related to adherence to Exclusive infant Feeding
practices. Hence, strengthening the counseling program, expanding PMTCT services,
promoting exclusive breast-feeding by all mothers, continuous work on stigma and
discrimination, linking the ANC and PNC with mother support group, are the major
intervention areas that have been suggested in an effort to improve the effectiveness of P MTCT
service.
Key words: Exclusive Infant Feeding, AFASS, PMTCT
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Keywords
Exclusive Infant Feeding, AFASS, PMTCT