Views of Luba-Kasai Men, Zambia, about Prevention of HIV Transmission to Babies

Public Health Nurs. 2015 Sep-Oct;32(5):498-507. doi: 10.1111/phn.12153. Epub 2014 Sep 2.

Abstract

Objective: This study describes the views of Luba-Kasai men (a Congolese tribe living in Lusaka Province, Zambia) about different methods through which they can prevent their babies from being exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy, delivery and feeding.

Design and sample: Individual semi-structured interview study with a sample of Luba-Kasai refugee men (n = 21).

Measures: Data were translated into English and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Two methods of prevention emerged: (1) Outside support (pastoral support, e.g., maintaining a spiritual outlook on life, and support from the public health service); and (2) Adopting safe practices around their own and their families' lifestyle.

Conclusion: Additional attention to male participation in antenatal clinics may strengthen prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.

Keywords: HIV; Zambia; fathers; infectious disease transmission; qualitative research; refugees; vertical transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Qualitative Research
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data
  • Zambia