Nurses’ counseling to mothers to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding : A qualitative study

Abstract: Introduction: HIV is a serious problem in Namibia, 13.1% of the adult population is HIV-positive or is a carrier of AIDS. This is one of the highest numbers in the world. HIV is passed from mother to child during pregnancy, during labour or through breast milk. 18.8 % of the pregnant mothers in Namibia who is in contact with the maternity welfare have HIV. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe nurses’ counseling to mothers to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Method: Eight nurses working with PMTCT of HIV were interviewed in Namibia. The interviews were transcribed and a content analysis was made. 18 sub-categories and seven categories were found. Findings: It is important that nurses provide individual counseling, are supportive and motivate the mothers. Poverty is an obstacle for the mothers, stigmatization occurs and cultural differences can have influence on the mothers. It is also important that nurses are updated in counseling and PMTCT. Conclusion: Nurses should provide mothers with the correct information in a pedagogical way. Nurses need to be aware of obstacles for the mothers and their families to be able to meet their different demands. Men are not involved in PMTCT-counseling and nurses think that partner involvement would benefit PMTCT of HIV.