HIV Infected mothers do not use formula milk because of social stigma

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Social stigma and lack of resources prohibit HIV-infected mothers from using formula milk for their infants.

In a recent report, researchers in South Africa explored "how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has affected the infant-feeding experiences of HIV-positive mothers in South Africa.

"This was a qualitative interview study within a prospective cohort study. We purposively selected a subsample of 40 women from a larger cohort of 650 HIV-positive mothers for in-depth interviews."

"The HIV epidemic has changed the context in which infant-feeding choices are made and implemented. HIV-positive mothers in this study who were predominantly young, single and unemployed were struggling to protect their decision-making autonomy.

"Uncertainty about the safety of breastfeeding has increased the power and influence of health workers, who now act as gatekeepers to not only this new knowledge but also to essential resources such as formula milk," said T. Doherty and colleagues, Health Systems Trust in Cape Town.

"Fear of disclosure of HIV status and stigma has also weakened the ability of mothers to resist entrenched family and community norms that encourage early introduction of fluids and foods and that question non-breastfeeding.

"Women who chose to exclusively formula feed had difficulties accessing formula milk because of inflexible policies and a lack of supplies at clinics. Limited postpartum support led to social isolation and mothers doubting their ability to care for their children," the authors wrote.

Doherty concluded, "The infant-feeding experiences of HIV-positive mothers have serious implications for the operational effectiveness of programs that aim to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child.

"A better understanding of how HIV is changing infant-feeding practices can inform the development of interventions to improve infant-feeding counseling and postpartum support."

Doherty and colleagues published their study in Bulletin of the World Health Organization (Effect of the HIV epidemic on infant feeding in South Africa: ''When they see me coming with the tins they laugh at me''. Bull World Health Organ, 2006;84(2):90-96).

For additional information, contact T. Doherty, Health Systems Trust, 1st Floor Riverside Center, Main Rd., ZA-7700 Cape Town, South Africa.

Publisher contact information for the journal Bulletin of the World Health Organization is: World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.

Keywords: Cape Town, South Africa, HIV/AIDS, Breastfeeding, Vertical Transmission, Formula Milk, Social Stigma. This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, AIDS Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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