Selected Infant Care Practices and Their Impact on Mother-Child HIV Transmission: A Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.3767Keywords:
Teething, Infantile Colic, Infant Care, Pediatric HIV, Mother-To-Child TransmissionAbstract
Purpose: The current study aimed at establishing infant care practices and their influence on mother-to-child HIV transmission among HIV-exposed infants aged 6 weeks to 18 months in Machakos Level 5 Hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Data were collected from thirty-two mother-infant pairs using a focus group discussion guide. Four focus group discussions were conducted, each with 8 participants. The data were thematically analyzed and presented using narratives and quotes. Ethical approval and research permit were obtained from the JKUAT Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee, and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants.
Findings: Mothers had a good understanding of MTCT of HIV and its prevention. However, they faced challenges in adhering to infant prophylaxis. The participants had inadequate knowledge of teething signs, where diarrhea and fever were reported as signs and symptoms. Some of the potentially harmful practices practiced by mothers were gum cutting, rubbing the gums with goat's excreta or Ashton and soda-mint mixture for teething, and administering alcohol and herbs to manage colic. They also reported inadequate healthcare provider support in managing teething and colic.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Despite mothers' adequate knowledge of MTCT and its prevention, significant gaps persist between knowledge and practice. Difficulties in adhering to infant prophylaxis, compounded with non-disclosure and insufficient support from healthcare providers, contributed to the adoption of unsafe infant care practices. These challenges need to be addressed through strengthened healthcare guidance, culturally sensitive counselling, community health education, and continuous support to promote safe infant care practices. The study recommends that the government should integrate safe teething and colic management into PMTCT protocols.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Leonida W. Ngolo, Kenneth Ngure, Elizabeth Mueke Kiilu
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