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Abstract
Counselling for HIV positive women in rural areas on infant feeding practices
R. Ruhinguka Ruhanga
Background: International guideline for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) recommend HIV positive mothers receive counselling on various local infant feeding option, guidance in selecting and support to use the most suitable option for the situations. The Rwanda PMTCT program offers three infant feeding option namely exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months with abrupt cessation, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 to 4 months with abrupt cessation, and exclusive formula feeding provide at no cost to the mother.
Methods: A rapid assessment of the experience of pilot PMTCT sites in Rwanda was undertaken in June 2002 using qualitative and quantitative methods including:
(1) Provider questionnaires,
(2) observation of services using checklists,
(3) client exit interviews,
(4) focus group discussion with community members, and
(5) site manager interviews.
Results: Providers demonstrated good knowledge and practice regarding the advantages and disadvantages of different feeding options for HIV positive mothers. Counsellors saw their role as to give information, and to assist in making infant feeding decisions. Nevertheless the majority of providers (24/40) expressed a negative opinion about an HIV positive mother’s breastfeeding. The provision of free infant formula by the PMTCT program was highly valued by the community as well as partner, family support, and reliable supply of infant formula. Community members noted, however that both exclusive breastfeeding and formula feeding are contrary to community norms.
Conclusions: Providers demonstrated bias towards infant formula as the preferred feeding methods for HIV positive women. Community generally viewed formula as a benefit but also discussed how its use could stigmatise a woman. UNICEF has decided to no longer provide free infant formula to the PMTCT program and the impact of this decision on program acceptability and uptake needs to be considered and addressed.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
TUPE0737
Suggested Citation
" R. Ruhinguka Ruhanga
Counselling for HIV positive women in rural areas on infant feeding practices.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
TUPE0737"
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