Knowledge, attitudes and practices of women regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme at the Vanguard Community Health Centre, Western Cape - A pilot study
Date
2007
Authors
Petrie K.E.M.
Schmidt S.D.
Schwarz C.E.
Koornhof H.E.
Marais D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme at a community health centre (CHC), Method. A descriptive study was conducted using an administered, structured questionnaire. Subjects and setting. Thirty-six educated women aged 18-39 years and attending the clinic took part. Participants were from informal settlements and mostly unemployed, receiving government grants. Results. The majority (88.9%) scored 80% or more with regard to general HIV knowledge. Although the majority (78%) were formula feeding, primarily owing to their HIV status and convenience while working, 24% would not be able to sustain this feeding method after the initial 6 months' free supply provided by the provincial health services. The majority could not define the terms exclusive breastfeeding (89%), mixed feeding (81%) or cup feeding (94%) correctly. Attitudes were found to be positive with regard to both breastfeeding and formula feeding, but HIV status influenced it significantly (p < 0.1). Conclusion. In conclusion, certain aspects of the PMTCT programme appear to have been effective at the CHC included in this study. The women were knowledgeable about HIV transmission and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), but they were uninformed about certain essential aspects, i.e. prevention, cure and infant feeding. Attitudes were similar towards breastmilk or formula milk as a feeding choice but were influenced by HIV status. It was indicated that an informed decision-making process was not followed, rather that the women were advised to formula feed. Sustainability of formula feeding after 6 months and training of health workers specifically regarding feeding options need to be addressed.
Description
Keywords
adult, article, artificial milk, attitude to AIDS, attitude to breast feeding, breast feeding, clinical article, female, health education, health program, human, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, infant feeding, infection control, pilot study, South Africa, structured questionnaire, virus transmission
Citation
South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition
20
2
20
2