Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding followed by early cessation significantly lowers the MTCT. However, this is a deviation from the normal infant feeding practice in Malawi. Objectives: (1) to explore the experiences of HIV positive mothers with children aged seven months and above on early breastfeeding cessation. (2) to explore perceptions of key decision makers on infant feeding in the community on early breastfeeding cessation (3) to identify cultural barriers to early breast feeding cessation. Methodology: Sixteen in depth interviews for HIV positive mothers in PMTCT program in Lilongwe urban; and four FGDs for key decision makers on infant feeding were conducted. Socio-demographic data was collected on all the participants. Nvivo was used to analyze qualitative data. Results: The age range of mothers interviewed was 22 to 38 years. 75% were not working and depended on their spouses economically and 19% had no formal education. The following factors were found to be hindering mothers in the PMTC program to stop breastfeeding at six months: Low socio-economic and educational level, new concept of early breastfeeding cessation, food insecurity, fear of being found out to be HIV positive, stigma and lack of knowledge on PMTCT in the community. Conclusion: Broader aspects need to be considered if early breastfeeding cessation is to be successful as an infant feeding option in PMTCT program in Malawi.

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School	: College of Medicine
Issued Date	: 2007

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