Challenges in HIV and Infant Feeding Counselling in Northern Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Leshabari Sebalda C, Blystad Astrid, Paoli Marina, Moland Karen M
Primary Institution: Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
What are the experiences and concerns of nurse-counsellors providing infant feeding counselling to HIV-positive mothers in Tanzania?
Conclusion
Nurse-counsellors face significant challenges and stress in providing effective infant feeding counselling to HIV-positive mothers, highlighting the need for better training and support.
Supporting Evidence
- Nurse-counsellors reported feeling overwhelmed by their workload and the emotional burden of their role.
- Many counsellors expressed a lack of confidence in their knowledge about HIV and infant feeding.
- Counsellors felt that the cultural context made it difficult to provide effective counselling.
Takeaway
Nurses helping mothers with HIV feel stressed and unsure about how to give the best advice on feeding their babies, and they need more training and support.
Methodology
Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with nurse-counsellors.
Potential Biases
Counsellors may have biases based on their own experiences and cultural beliefs about infant feeding.
Limitations
The small sample size may not represent all nurse-counsellors in Tanzania, and the study focused only on their perspectives.
Participant Demographics
25 female nurse-counsellors aged 26 to 52, with varying levels of training in HIV and infant feeding counselling.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website