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Title Men care too: a qualitative study examining women's perceptions of fathers' engagement in early childhood development (ECD) during an ECD program for HIV-positive mothers in Malawi
Full text https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0874n993
Date 2022
Author(s) Temelkovska, Tijana; Kalande, Pericles; Udedi, Evelyn; Bruns, Laurie; Mulungu, Siyenunu; Hubbard, Julie; Gupta, Sundeep; Richter, Linda; Coates, Thomas J; Dovel, Kathryn
Abstract ObjectivesIntegrated early childhood development (ECD) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions rarely target fathers, a missed opportunity given existing research demonstrating that father involvement improves maternal and child outcomes. We aimed to explore mother's perceptions of fathers' buy-in to an integrated PMTCT-ECD programme, any impact the programme had on couple dynamics, and perceived barriers to fathers' involvement in ECD activities.DesignQualitative study using individual in-depth interviews with mothers participating in a PMTCT-ECD programme. Interviews assessed mothers' perceptions of father buy-in and engagement in the programme and ECD activities. Data were coded using inductive and deductive strategies and analysed using constant comparison methods in Atlas.ti V.1.6.SettingFour health facilities in Malawi where PMTCT services were provided.ParticipantsStudy participants were mothers infected with HIV who were enrolled in the PMTCT-ECD programme for >6 months.InterventionsThe PMTCT-ECD intervention provided ECD education and counselling sessions during routine PMTCT visits for mothers infected with HIV and their infants (infant age 1.5-24 months). The intervention did not target fathers, but mothers were encouraged to share information with them.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 29 mothers. Almost all mothers discussed the PMTCT-ECD intervention with male partners. Most mothers reported that fathers viewed ECD as valuable and practised ECD activities at home. Several reported improved partner relationships and increased communication due to the intervention. However, most mothers believed fathers would not attend the PMTCT-ECD intervention due to concerns regarding HIV-related stigma at PMTCT clinics, time required to attend and perceptions that the intervention was intended for women.ConclusionsFathers were interested in an integrated PMTCT-ECD programme and actively practised ECD activities at home, but felt uncomfortable visiting PMTCT clinics. Interventions should consider direct community outreach or implementing ECD programmes at facility entry points where men frequent, such as outpatient departments.
Subject(s) Prevention; Pediatric; Clinical Research; HIV/AIDS; Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities; Behavioral and Social Science; Perinatal Period - Conditions Originating in Perinatal Period; 3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote wellbeing; Prevention of disease and conditions; and promotion of well-being; Reproductive health and childbirth; Infection; Good Health and Well Being; Quality Education; Child; Preschool; Fathers; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission; Vertical; Malawi; Male; Mothers; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH; Community child health; HIV & AIDS; Clinical Sciences; Public Health and Health Services; Other Medical and Health Sciences
Coverage e056976
Publisher eScholarship, University of California
Type of publication article
Format application/pdf
Source BMJ Open, vol 12, iss 7
Rights public
Identifier qt0874n993
Repository Berkeley - University of California
Added to C-A: 2023-10-18;10:16:31