Integrating quality postnatal care into PMTCT in Swaziland

Glob Public Health. 2009;4(3):253-70. doi: 10.1080/17441690902769669.

Abstract

Swaziland's prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme is linked to maternal and newborn health (MNH) services, but is mainly focussed on HIV/AIDS. Existing MNH services are inadequate, especially postnatal care (PNC) of mothers and babies, with delayed postnatal visits occurring at 4-6 weeks after delivery. Fifty-seven percent of staff in seven Swazi health facilities were trained in promoting and providing early PNC. A final evaluation showed a 20-fold increase in the number of visits coming for an early postnatal visit (within the first three 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- < 0.01). The percentage of women breastfeeding within one hour of delivery increased by 41% in HIV-positive mothers and 52% in HIV-negative mothers. Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-exposed infants increased by 24%. Although, health workers were observed providing counselling, maternal recall of messages was deficient, suggesting the need for additional strategies for promoting healthy behaviours. High-quality integrated PMTCT programmes 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Counseling
  • Eswatini
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV-1
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel / education*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Maternal Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Maternal Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Mothers
  • Observation
  • Postnatal Care / methods
  • Postnatal Care / organization & administration*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • Young Adult