BASICS to publish journal article: Integrating Quality Postnatal Care into PMTCT in Swaziland
Goldy Mazia, Indira Narayanan, and Michael Hainsworth of BASICS are amongst the authors publishing Integrating Quality Postnatal Care into PMTCT in Swaziland in the next issue of the journal, Global Public Health, due out in May 2009. Read their abstract below:
Swaziland's PMTCT program is linked to maternal and newborn health (MNH) services, but is mainly focused on HIV/AIDS. Existing MNH services are inadequate, especially postnatal care of mothers and babies, with delayed postnatal visits occurring at four to six weeks after delivery.
Fifty-seven percent of staff in seven Swazi health facilities was trained in promoting and providing early postnatal care. A final evaluation showed a twenty-fold increase in the number of early postnatal visits (within the first 3 days after birth). A direct observation of the client-provider interaction showed a significant increase in the competence of the health workers related to postnatal examinations, and care of mothers and babies (p < 0.05 to < 0.01). The percentage of women breastfeeding within one hour of delivery increased by 41% amongst HIV-positive mothers and by 52% amongst HIV-negative mothers. Initiation of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-exposed infants increased by 24%. Although health workers were observed providing counseling, maternal recall of messages was deficient, suggesting the need for additional strategies for promoting healthy behaviors.
High quality integrated PMTCT programs and MNH postnatal services are feasible and acceptable, and can result in promoting early postnatal visits and improved care of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers and their babies.