Beliefs and practices of mothers living with HIV/AIDS regarding infant feeding
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Date
2007-02-22T12:04:29Z
Authors
Masters, Deanne Pamela
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Abstract
Rationale: Infant feeding practices are cur rently under the spotlight
due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the awareness that the virus may
be transmitted through breast milk .
Aim: This study examined the beliefs and practices of mothers
living with HIV/AIDS regarding infant feeding.
Method: An exploratory-descriptive cross -sectional survey research
design was employed which incorporated both qualitative and
quantitative dimensions, and involved the use of individual
interviews .
Participants: Forty-two mothers living with HIV who had infants
under 6 months of age and attended Coronation Hospital were
interviewed .
Results: The majority of mothers living with HIV, reported that
they fed their infants formula milk. However, they felt that
breastfeeding was still best for their babies. Most of the mothers
fed their infants formula milk out of fear of them contracting
HIV/AIDS. They appeared to be influenced in their infant feeding
decisions by their community, culture and family members .
Conclusions: The findings have implications for enhancing
theoretical knowledge and understanding of infant feeding practices
and cultural beliefs ; early intervention and the clinical practice of
speech-language pathologists; the formulation of feeding policies of
provincial hospitals ; and future research.
Description
Student Number : 9603059A -
MA research report -
School of Speech Pathology -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
feeding practices, cultural beliefs, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, formula, Human Immune Deficiency Virus, HIV