Masters, Deanne Pamela2007-02-222007-02-222007-02-22http://hdl.handle.net/10539/2086Student Number : 9603059A - MA research report - School of Speech Pathology - Faculty of HumanitiesRationale: 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.103277 bytes131220 bytes122517 bytes253453 bytes200723 bytes159189 bytes119113 bytes50087 bytes54822 bytes58144 bytes53318 bytes71808 bytes30933 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfapplication/pdfenfeeding practicescultural beliefsbreastfeedingbottle-feedingformulaHuman Immune Deficiency VirusHIVThesis