Grandmothers’ influence on the implementation of PMTCT interventions within 6 weeks at rural areas in Limpopo province: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Despite enormous interventions aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV; traditional, cultural practices and mixed infant feeding remain prevalent. This study aimed to determine the influence of grandmothers when continuing with the prevention of mother-to-child transmission interventions within 6 weeks after delivery. Qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used. The population comprised of fifteen grandmothers of HIV-exposed babies. Data were collected through unstructured face-to-face interviews and analyzed through the open coding method. Three themes emerged showing knowledge deficit related to MTCT risks when using traditional practices; cultural and religious practices influencers to traditional diagnoses and management and mixed feeding practices predispose babies. Total elimination of MTCT of HIV in rural context calls for targeted education for grandmothers. Knowledge of traditional and cultural practices that perpetuate MTCT could assist in developing the contextual health education content to change grandmothers’ beliefs on infant feeding, prevention, and management of childhood illnesses.