de Paoli MD, Manongi RM, Klepp KI; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeD6374.
University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Background: To investigate pregnant women's views on infant feeding options recommended for HIV-infected women. 500 pregnant women participated in the interview survey and 46 pregnant women participated in six focus group discussions. The participants were recruited through antenatal clinics in Moshi urban and rural districts of Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Methods: A structured interview survey complemented with focus group discussions. Results: Participating women reported that they would change to an alternative infant feeding method if they were found to be HIV-infected and were advised to do so. Cow's milk was regarded as the most feasible infant feeding method for local HIV-infected mothers. Infant feeding formula was regarded as too costly, but if recommended by health workers and distributed free of charge, the majority of the women (82%) were confident that they would then choose this option. The more affluent women were the most confident with respect to being able to practise replacement feeding which involved a monetary cost and in dealing with the social problems of not breastfeeding. In the focus group discussions, women were less optimistic and expressed great concern for the social consequences of not breastfeeding. The safety of exclusive breastfeeding was questioned. Less common infant feeding methods, such as expressed, heat-treated breast milk and wet-nursing, were not regarded as viable options. Several social barri ers to replacement feeding were identified in the focus group discussions, including possible lack of support from partner and potential negative reactions from the community. Conclusion Future research on infant feeding options should include the broader cultural context and the psychological stress that HIV-infected women face when choosing infant feeding methods.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Breast Feeding
- Demography
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant Food
- Infant Formula
- Infant Nutrition Physiology
- Interviews as Topic
- Mothers
- Pregnancy
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Tanzania
Other ID:
UI: 102284289
From Meeting Abstracts