Exploring the Experiences of HIV Positive Pregnant Women on Prevention of Vertical Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Rural Malawi

<p>Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be the primary conduct that HIV is transmitted to children worldwide. The problem of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is having a great impact on the world's children. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Malawi continues to be a serious public health issue, especially for expectant mothers. The health outcomes of mothers and children remain significantly threatened by vertical HIV transmission, even with improvements in preventive and treatment efforts. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the experiences of HIV-positive pregnant women in Malawi. I conducted semi structured interviews with thirteen HIV positive pregnant women and seven health workers in Balaka at Mbera health center from 27 July till August 25, 2023.</p> <p>The main findings were that HIV-positive pregnant women face difficulties related to family dynamics, poverty, vulnerability, stigma and being dependent on their husbands for financial support. Pregnant women living with HIV also face numerous obstacles, such as limited access to medical facilities, long travel times that make it more difficult to obtain treatment and having to wait a long time to receive necessary care. The health workers emphasized how critical it is to attend to the HIV-positive pregnant woman's specific needs as well as the dynamics of her family, particularly her marriage.</p> <p>The findings highlight how important it is to include husbands in HIV/AIDS counseling and talks, even if they test negative for the virus. Based on the findings I offer some conclusions and recommendations for different stakeholders.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. in Anthropology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year

2024

Author dc:creator

• Finyiza, Gertrude

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alejandro Cerón
• Christina Kreps
• Yavuz Yasar

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Mother to child transmission (MTCT)
• Malawi
• African Studies
• Anthropology
• Diseases
• Immune System Diseases
• International and Area Studies
• Maternal and Child Health
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Public Health
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social and Cultural Anthropology

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

English (eng)

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2445

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-3432