The choice of baby feeding mode within the reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic: health education implications.
Avoidance of breast-feeding rules out the risk of HIV-transmission, but is not the best choice for all women. Pregnant women can be empowered by health education to make an informed decision. The aims of this study were to explore and describe the factors that should be considered in health education on HIV and baby feeding as well as the perceptions and knowledge-levels of midwives and pregnant women regarding these factors. The final aim was to compile guidelines for health education to pregnant women. A quantitative survey design utilizing structured questionnaires was used. An all-inclusive sample of 17 midwives working in antenatal clinics in the Potchefstroom district in South Africa and an availability sample of 93 pregnant women visiting these clinics participated. It was found that, although the midwives have a basic knowledge of HIV and baby feeding, there are specific knowledge-gaps related to the latest trends and research. The existing knowledge of the midwives was not efficiently conveyed to the pregnant women and they were not sufficiently empowered to make an informed decision. Recommendations were formulated for nursing education and research with the focus on recommendations for practice. These guidelines include factors conducive to a positive milieu, as well as the presentation and content of health education.
Minnie
C S
CS
School of Nursing Science (Box 520), Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University, Potchefstroom. vpkcsm@puknet.puk.ac.za
Greeff
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D007258:Informed Consent; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires