TABLE 4.

Results of Focus Group Discussions

Antenatal clinic attendants before receiving HIV-1 test results

Weaning

Ideal time: 1 week to 6 months

Ideal foods: fruits, porridge, potatoes, eggs, and spinach

Reasons for early weaning

Baby crying a lot due to hunger

Baby not gaining weight adequately

Breast disease in the mother

Mother does not have enough milk

What would influence infant feeding decision?

Advice by medical personnel

Ability to afford formula

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Attitudes and opinions of partner and relatives

HIV-1–positive women 6–10 weeks after delivery

Reasons for current infant feeding practices

Fear of loss of confidentiality

Financial constraints

Experiences such as breast-fed or formula-fed infant who died or became infected

Most convinced not breast feeding a better option

Exclusive breast feeding difficult due to

Conflicting advice from health workers

Advice from older relatives and friends

Children cry a lot due to hunger

Children need water for thirst and stomach upsets

Strategies for maintaining confidentiality while not breast feeding

Breast feeding for a short time and stop

Giving excuse like have breast disease or infant refusal of breast

Avoiding going in public places with the baby

Saying it is medical advice due to illness