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Breast milk as the "water that supports and preserves life"--Socio-cultural constructions of breastfeeding and their implications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Hofmann, Jennifer
  • De Allegri, Manuela
  • Sarker, Malabika
  • Sanon, Mamadou
  • Bhler, Thomas

Abstract

Objectives Complementary breastfeeding represents an important source of risk of HIV infection for infants born to HIV positive mothers. The World Health Organisation recommends that infants born to HIV positive mothers receive either replacement feeding or exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) followed by early weaning. Beyond the clinical and epidemiological debate, it remains unclear how acceptable and feasible the two options are for rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This qualitative study aims to fill this gap in knowledge by exploring both the socio-cultural construction and the practice of breastfeeding in the Nouna Health District, rural Burkina Faso.Methods Information was collected through 32 individual interviews and 3 focus group discussions with women of all ages, and 6 interviews with local gurisseurs.Results The findings highlight that breastfeeding is perceived as central to motherhood, but that women practice complementary, rather than exclusive, breastfeeding. The findings also indicate that women recognise both the nutritional value of breast milk and its potential to act as a source of disease transmission.Conclusions The findings suggest that given the socio-cultural importance attributed to breastfeeding and the prevailing poverty, it may be more acceptable and more feasible to promote EBF followed by early weaning than replacement feeding. A set of operational strategies are proposed to favour the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in the respect of the local socio-cultural setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Hofmann, Jennifer & De Allegri, Manuela & Sarker, Malabika & Sanon, Mamadou & Bhler, Thomas, 2009. "Breast milk as the "water that supports and preserves life"--Socio-cultural constructions of breastfeeding and their implications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(3), pages 322-328, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:89:y:2009:i:3:p:322-328
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Davies-Adetugbo, Anita A., 1997. "Sociocultural factors and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in rural Yoruba communities of Osun State, Nigeria," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 113-125, July.
    2. Grummer-Strawn, Laurence M. & Kalasopatan, Soobrayen & Sungkur, J. & Friedman, Jay, 1996. "Infant feeding patterns on Mauritius Island, 1991," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 43(12), pages 1697-1702, December.
    3. Ross, J.S. & Labbok, M.H., 2004. "Modeling the effects of different infant feeding strategies on infant survival and mother-to-child transmission of HIV," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(7), pages 1174-1180.
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