Exploring the effects of socio-demographic characteristics of HIV positive women on exclusive breastfeeding practices and promotion in Mchinji district, Malawi

Agatha Bula, City University London

This presentation describes a research to investigate factors that affect HIV positive women's intention to practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). I will use the data collected by MaiMwana Project in Mchinji, Malawi to compare the rates of EBF among HIV positive and negative women who were visited in their homes by peer counsellors and the control group. In particular, I will compare socio-demographic characteristics of those who managed to practice EBF to those who did not. I will then conduct in-depth interviews to explore the key determinants of EBF within the family and the community. Furthermore, I will also explore how peer counsellors supported HIV positive women and whether they had enough knowledge to handle such situations. In doing so it aims to support the promotion of EBF in the rural community and promote infant survival. Analysis of quantitative data and qualitative interviews will start in October 2011.