Browsing by Author "Muzondo, Lyn"
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- ItemFactors influencing infant feeding practices for HIV positive mothers in a low resource community(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2010-03) Muzondo, Lyn; Qubuda, Thozamile; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Science. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research is on factors influencing the infant feeding practices of HIV positive mothers in a low resource community in Khayelitsha at Michael Mapongwana clinic. The aim of the study was to establish the mother’s current feeding practices, to determine the various factors influencing their practices and to establish the relationship between these factors and their practices. Questionnaires were used on 20 HIV positive mothers who had children up to 2 years and attended the ARV clinic or the PMTCT clinic. Further, 2 healthcare workers who directly work with these mothers were also surveyed. Findings were that the majority, (95%) were practicing the replacement feeding method with a minority of (5%) practicing mixed feeding. Most mothers chose replacement feeding because it was free of charge, to avoid MTCT of HIV and also the healthcare workers recommended the mothers to use infant formula. The safety of exclusive breastfeeding was questioned by (90%) of the mothers making it very unpopular. Several factors influencing against exclusive replacement feeding were stigma, discrimination, pressure from the family and lack of support from partner or significant family member. Conclusion: Future research on infant mortality rate on mothers who practice replacement feeding and exclusive breastfeeding to establish effectiveness of providing free infant formula to curb MTCT of HIV. Further, implement policies that target stigma and discrimination reduction aligned to cultural beliefs to address stigma and discrimination.