AI Article Synopsis

  • About two-thirds of the world's HIV/AIDS cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with mother-to-child transmission rates between 15% and 40%.
  • A study surveyed 52 women in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program to understand the social consequences of their participation.
  • Key findings indicated that concerns over breastfeeding practices led to community stigma, women kept their HIV status confidential, and increasing public awareness of HIV and PMTCT could improve acceptance and participation.

Article Abstract

Approximately two-third of the worlds HIV/AIDS cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) has been found to lie between 15 and 40%. The aim of this study was to explore the social consequences affecting the experience HIV-positive women have when taking part in a prevention of mother-to-child-transmission programme (PMTCT). Few studies have investigated this earlier. A cross section of 52 participating women enrolled into a PMTCT programme were randomly selected and interviewed, using a structured questionnaire. There were three main findings. The most important consequence of participating was the difficulty associated with the breast-feeding issue. For the women who because of a wish to prevent MTCT are employing formula feeding, this causes suspicion and prejudice amongst people in the local community. Few people influence a woman's decision to take part, as they tend to keep their HIV status to themselves. More information to the general public about HIV and PMTCT programmes will enhance acceptance to HIV, and generate an environment conducive towards participation in PMTCT programmes.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2004.11.014DOI Listing

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