Challenges for Safe Replacement Feeding among HIV-Positive Mothers in Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A Qualitative Study of Mothers, Fathers, Health Care Providers, and Other Experts

Challenges for Safe Replacement Feeding among HIV- Positive Mothers in Vietnam: A Qualitative Study of Mothers, Fathers, Health Care Providers, and Other Experts

Year 2009-2010

Funded by: USAID/AED (FANTA 2), Partners: Center for Global Health and Development at Boston University

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical for HIV-positive mothers and their children because of the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk and the risk of diarrhea and malnutrition from unhygienic replacement feeding, In October 2009, the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance II Project (FANTA-2), managed by AED and with support from USAID/Vietnam, in partnership with the Institute of Social and Medical Studies (ISMS) in Vietnam and the Center for Global Health and Development at Boston University, completed data collection for a qualitative study of IYCF practices in the context of HIV in two cities in Vietnam. Semi-structured interviews were held with HIV-positive mothers with children 0-15 months old, as well as fathers and other caregivers of the same children. Topics included IYCF practices, information sources, and factors that influence the ways they feed their children, The study findings can inform the development of counseling materials and job aids, capacity strengthening initiatives, and training to reduce high-risk infant feeding practices in the context of HIV.