Psychosocial Experiences Of Breastfeeding Hiv Positive Mothers In Tema Metropolis

ABSTRACT Breastfeeding is one of the main modes through which HIV is transmitted from mothers to their infants. Although the rate of transmission is drastically reduced when the breastfeeding mother is managed on anti retroviral therapy, there is still a probability of transmission. This puts a considerable level of strain on breastfeeding HIV positive mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial experiences of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers in the Tema metropolis. The study was guided by the self efficacy theory by Albert Bandura. Thirteen breastfeeding HIV positive mothers were recruited from the Tema General Hospital to participate in the study. A semi- structured interview guide was used as the data collection tool. The five main themes which emerged after thematic content analysis of the transcribed data were; self motivating factors of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers, factors which influence initiation of breastfeeding among HIV positive mothers, the role of social persuasion in breastfeeding attitudes of HIV positive mothers, psychological emotions of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers and coping strategies used by breastfeeding HIV positive mothers. The findings of the study illustrated that, breastfeeding HIV positive mothers motivated themselves due to their own previous experiences, hope in anti-retroviral therapy, encouragement by other mothers in similar situations and counselors. Socially, the opinions of their spouses, counselors and members of their community had a role to play in their decision to breastfeed. Psychologically, the women had fear, anxiety, blame and guilt. Strategies such as support groups, prayer and denial were some of the coping mechanisms. Therefore, breastfeeding HIV positive mothers should be attended to in private at the clinic so that their unique needs are met adequately.