Exploring the feasibility of engaging Traditional Birth Attendants in a prevention of mother to child HIV transmission program in Lilongwe, Malawi

Malawi Med J. 2012 Dec;24(4):79-80.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the willingness of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to provide single dose antiretroviral prophylaxis to infants born to mothers with HIV and the feasibility of providing the TBAs with antiretroviral medication.

Design: 2 focus groups with a total of 17 registered TBAs.

Setting: Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods: TBAs were recruited by local health workers and participated in focus groups assessing their attitudes towards participation in a PMTCT program.

Results: TBAs were willing to participate in this prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program and helped identify barriers to their participation.

Conclusions: Given appropriate support and training, TBAs' participation in PMTCT programs could be an additional way to deliver medication to mothers and neonates who might otherwise miss crucial doses of medication.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Malawi
  • Maternal Health Services / organization & administration
  • Midwifery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Trust
  • Truth Disclosure

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents