Peer-reviewed article
Double benefit? Integrating an early childhood development programme into HIV PMTCT Option B+ services in Malawi
Stephanie Redinger, Evelyn Udedi, Linda Richter, Kathryn L. Dovel, Laurie Bruns et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study tested whether early childhood development activities could be delivered to mothers during their HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) clinic visits in Malawi. Researchers recruited 197 HIV-positive mothers with infants under 8 weeks old and delivered group early childhood development sessions while mothers waited for their HIV consultations. Most mothers who enrolled completed the programme, and interviews with 62 mothers showed high acceptance, with mothers reporting improved confidence in parenting, better relationships with health workers, and increased involvement of fathers in childcare.
Key points
- Of 197 mothers recruited, 147 enrolled (75%) and 114 completed 9-month follow-up (78%)
- Mothers reported improved self-confidence and parenting capacity after attending integrated sessions
- Fathers became more involved in childcare as a result of the programme
- Mothers perceived that stigma within healthcare settings was reduced through the integrated approach
- Participants felt PMTCT visits became more enjoyable and required less time and effort for HIV care
Limitations
The study measures feasibility and acceptability through self-reported interviews but does not evaluate actual impacts on child health outcomes, maternal HIV adherence, or retention in care. The findings are based on a sub-sample of 62 mothers who completed interviews, which represents only 54% of those who enrolled.
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating early childhood development into Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Malawi.We recruited mothers living with HIV in the PMTCT programs who had an infant ≤8 weeks of age. Group ECD sessions were delivered while mothers waited for HIV consultations. Follow up was conducted at 9 months postnatal. A sub-sample of mothers completed in-depth interviews which were translated, transcribed, and analyzed.197 mothers were recruited for the integrated program: 147/197 (75%) enrolled, 114/147 (78%) completed follow up, and 62/114 (54%) completed interviews. Acceptability of the program was high, with reports of improved self-confidence and parenting capacity, increased father involvement and improved relationships with healthcare providers. Participants reported that the program made PMTCT visits more enjoyable and supportive, and reduced time and effort required for HIV care. Mothers also believed stigma within healthcare settings was reduced.The integration of ECD into PMTCT is feasible and acceptable in a low-resource setting like Malawi. Findings indicate that the integration has potential to increase satisfaction and potential retention in HIV care programs. Additional research is required to test the effects of integrated programs on child health and development, maternal health and adherence.Key messages Benefits for mothers and children can be achieved through the successful integration of an early childhood development programme into PMTCT Option B+ services in Malawi.Our study based on in-depth interviews with 62 mothers indicated that such an approach is feasible and acceptable.Participating mothers reported that the integration of the early childhood development component improved their confidence and they believed it improved their parenting;led to improved relationships with health care providers;increased the engagement of fathers and support from others in the family;helped mothers build a new social network and support system through the peer engagement components;reduced the risk of stigmatization in the health care setting.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Integration of early childhood development group sessions into PMTCT Option B+ clinic visits, where mothers receive ECD activities while waiting for HIV consultations
- Population
- 197 mothers living with HIV enrolled in PMTCT services in Malawi with infants aged ≤8 weeks; 114 completed 9-month follow-up; 62 completed in-depth interviews
Key finding
Enrolment rate was 75% (147/197) and follow-up completion was 78% (114/147)
Redinger et al. · Prof. Linda Richter (OpenAlex works) · 22 Feb 2021