| 1. |
- Kozuki, Naoko, et al.
(author)
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A systematic review of community-to-facility neonatal referral completion rates in Africa and Asia
- 2015
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In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 15:1, s. 989-
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: An estimated 2.8 million neonatal deaths occur annually worldwide. The vulnerability of newborns makes the timeliness of seeking and receiving care critical for neonatal survival and prevention of long-term sequelae. To better understand the role active referrals by community health workers play in neonatal careseeking, we synthesize data on referral completion rates for neonates with danger signs predictive of mortality or major morbidity in low- and middle-income countries.METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in May 2014 of the following databases: Medline-PubMed, Embase, and WHO databases. We also searched grey literature. In addition, an investigator group was established to identify unpublished data on newborn referral and completion rates. Inquiries were made to the network of research groups supported by Save the Children's Saving Newborn Lives project and other relevant research groups.RESULTS: Three Sub-Saharan African and five South Asian studies reported data on community-to-facility referral completion rates. The studies varied on factors such as referral rates, the assessed danger signs, frequency of home visits in the neonatal period, and what was done to facilitate referrals. Neonatal referral completion rates ranged from 34 to 97 %, with the median rate of 74 %. Four studies reported data on the early neonatal period; early neonatal completion rates ranged from 46 to 97 %, with a median of 70 %. The definition of referral completion differed by studies, in aspects such as where the newborns were referred to and what was considered timely completion.CONCLUSIONS: Existing literature reports a wide range of neonatal referral completion rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia following active illness surveillance. Interpreting these referral completion rates is challenging due to the great variation in study design and context. Often, what qualifies as referral and/or referral completion is poorly defined, which makes it difficult to aggregate existing data to draw appropriate conclusions that can inform programs. Further research is necessary to continue highlighting ways for programs, governments, and policymakers to best aid families in low-resource settings in protecting their newborns from major health consequences.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Chopra, Mickey, et al.
(author)
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Survival of infants in the context of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in South Africa
- 2010
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In: Acta Paediatrica. - : Wiley. - 0803-5253 .- 1651-2227. ; 99:5, s. 694-698
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: We sought to study the survival of newborn children according to HIV status of the mother, that of the child and the timing of infection. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 883 mothers (665 HIV-positive and 218 HIV-negative) and their infants. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires during home visits between the antenatal period and 36 weeks post-delivery. Infant HIV status was determined at 3, 24 and 36 weeks by HIV DNA PCR. Results: The majority (81.3%) of infected infants who died were infected by 3 weeks of age. Of the HIV-exposed infants who died, 19 (28.4%) died before 6 weeks and 38 (56.7%) died by 12 weeks. The hazard ratio (HR) of mortality at 36 weeks of age in HIV-infected infants compared with exposed but negative infants was 8.9 (95% CI: 6.7-11.8). There was no significant difference in 36 week survival rates between HIV-non-exposed and HIV-exposed but negative infants (HR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3-1.5). The infant being HIV-positive at age 3 weeks (HR: 32 95% CI: 14.0-73.1) and rural site (HR: 4.4 95% CI: 1.2-23.4) were the two independent risk factors for infant death amongst HIV-exposed infants. Conclusion: The prognosis for infants with early HIV infection was very poor in this cohort. A greater focus on prevention of early infection, earlier screening for HIV infection and access to antiretrovirals for eligible infants is recommended.
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| 5. |
- Daniels, Karen, et al.
(author)
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Supervision of community peer counsellors for infant feeding in South Africa : an exploratory qualitative study
- 2010
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In: Human Resources for Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-4491. ; 8, s. 6-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Recent years have seen a re-emergence of community health worker (CHW) interventions, especially in relation to HIV care, and in increasing coverage of child health interventions. Such programmes can be particularly appealing in the face of human resource shortages and fragmented health systems. However, do we know enough about how these interventions function in order to support the investment? While research based on strong quantitative study designs such as randomised controlled trials increasingly document their impact, there has been less empirical analysis of the internal mechanisms through which CHW interventions succeed or fail. Qualitative process evaluations can help fill this gap. Methods: This qualitative paper reports on the experience of three CHW supervisors who were responsible for supporting infant feeding peer counsellors. The intervention took place in three diverse settings in South Africa. Each setting employed one CHW supervisor, each of whom was individually interviewed for this study. The study forms part of the process evaluation of a large-scale randomized controlled trial of infant feeding peer counselling support. Results: Our findings highlight the complexities of supervising and supporting CHWs. In order to facilitate effective infant feeding peer counselling, supervisors in this study had to move beyond mere technical management of the intervention to broader people management. While their capacity to achieve this was based on their own prior experience, it was enhanced through being supported themselves. In turn, resource limitations and concerns over safety and being in a rural setting were raised as some of the challenges to supervision. Adding to the complexity was the issue of HIV. Supervisors not only had to support CHWs in their attempts to offer peer counselling to mothers who were potentially HIV positive, but they also had to deal with supporting HIV-positive peer counsellors. Conclusions: This study highlights the need to pay attention to the experiences of supervisors so as to better understand the components of supervision in the field. Such understanding can enhance future policy making, planning and implementation of peer community health worker programmes.
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| 6. |
- Doherty, Tanya, et al.
(author)
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A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Infant-Feeding Decision Making and Practices among HIV-Positive Women in South Africa
- 2006
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In: Journal of Nutrition. - 0022-3166 .- 1541-6100. ; 136:9, s. 2421-2426
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined the challenges that HIV-positive women face at different stages of early infant feeding using a longitudinal, qualitative design. The study explored factors influencing infant-feeding decision-making and behavior of HIV positive mothers and identified characteristics of women and their environments that contributed to success in maintaining exclusivity of their infant feeding practices. The study was undertaken at 3 sites in South Africa. Participants consisted of a purposive sample of 27 women who had a positive HIV test result during antenatal care and were intending to either exclusively breast-feed or exclusively formula-feed their infants. Women were interviewed once antenatally and at 1, 4, 6, and 12 wk postpartum. Just under one-half of the women who initiated breast-feeding maintained exclusivity and over two-thirds of the women who initiated formula-feeding maintained exclusivity. Key characteristics of women who achieved success in exclusivity included the ability to resist pressure from the family to introduce other fluids and to recall key messages on mother-to-child transmission risks and mixed feeding. Among women who maintained exclusive breast-feeding, a strong belief in the benefits of breast-feeding and a supportive home environment was important. For women using formula milk, having resources such as electricity, a kettle, and flask made feeding at night easier. Support for infant feeding that extends beyond the antenatal period is important to enable mothers to cope with new challenges and pressures at critical times during the early postpartum period.
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| 7. |
- Doherty, Tanya, et al.
(author)
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Early cessation of breastfeeding amongst women in South Africa : an area needing urgent attention to improve child health
- 2012
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In: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2431. ; 12, s. 105-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Breastfeeding is a critical component of interventions to reduce child mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding practice is extremely low in South Africa and there has been no improvement in this over the past ten years largely due to fears of HIV transmission. Early cessation of breastfeeding has been found to have negative effects on child morbidity and survival in several studies in Africa. This paper reports on determinants of early breastfeeding cessation among women in South Africa.Methods: This is a sub group analysis of a community-based cluster-randomized trial (PROMISE EBF) promoting exclusive breastfeeding in three South African sites (Paarl in the Western Cape Province, and Umlazi and Rietvlei in KwaZulu-Natal) between 2006 and 2008 (ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT00397150). Infant feeding recall of 22 food and fluid items was collected at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks postpartum. Women's experiences of breast health problems were also collected at the same time points. 999 women who ever breastfed were included in the analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for site, arm and cluster, was performed to determine predictors of stopping breastfeeding by 12 weeks postpartum.Results: By 12 weeks postpartum, 20% of HIV-negative women and 40% of HIV-positive women had stopped all breastfeeding. About a third of women introduced other fluids, most commonly formula milk, within the first 3 days after birth. Antenatal intention not to breastfeed and being undecided about how to feed were most strongly associated with stopping breastfeeding by 12 weeks (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR 5.6, 95% CI 3.4 - 9.5 and AOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6 - 10.8, respectively). Also important was self-reported breast health problems associated with a 3-fold risk of stopping breastfeeding (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7 - 5.7) and the mother having her own income doubled the risk of stopping breastfeeding (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 - 2.8).Conclusion: Early cessation of breastfeeding is common amongst both HIV-negative and positive women in South Africa. There is an urgent need to improve antenatal breastfeeding counselling taking into account the challenges faced by working women as well as early postnatal lactation support to prevent breast health problems.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Doherty, Tanya, et al.
(author)
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Effectiveness of the WHO/UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding for HIV-positive women : results from a prospective cohort study in South Africa
- 2007
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In: AIDS. - 0269-9370 .- 1473-5571. ; 21:13, s. 1791-1797
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that HIV-positive women should avoid all breastfeeding only if replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe. Little is known about the effectiveness of the implementation of these guidelines in developing country settings. OBJECTIVE: To identify criteria to guide appropriate infant-feeding choices and to assess the effect of inappropriate choices on infant HIV-free survival. METHOD: Prospective cohort study of 635 HIV-positive mother-infant pairs across three sites in South Africa to assess mother to child transmission of HIV. Semistructured questionnaires were used during home visits between the antenatal period and 36 weeks after delivery to collect data concerning appropriateness of infant feeding choices based on the WHO/UNICEF recommendations. RESULTS: Three criteria were found to be associated with improved infant HIV-free survival amongst women choosing to formula feed: piped water; electricity, gas or paraffin for fuel; and disclosing HIV status. Using these criteria as a measure of appropriateness of choice: 95 of 311 women who met the criteria (30.5%) chose to breastfeed and 195 of 289 women who did not meet the criteria (67.4%) chose to formula feed. Infants of women who chose to formula feed without fulfilling these three criteria had the highest risk of HIV transmission/death (hazard ratio, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-8.89). CONCLUSIONS: Within operational settings, the WHO/UNICEF guidelines were not being implemented effectively, leading to inappropriate infant-feeding choices and consequent lower infant HIV-free survival. Counselling of mothers should include an assessment of individual and environmental criteria to support appropriate infant-feeding choices.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Doherty, Tanya, 1976-
(author)
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HIV and Infant Feeding : Operational Challenges of Achieving Safe Infant Feeding Practices
- 2006
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis assesses the uptake of the national Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme in South Africa, and the challenges of achieving safe infant feeding practices in the context of HIV. The research studies contained in this thesis utilised a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to provide a full understanding of the challenges of moving from efficacy to effectiveness in PMTCT programmes. The first paper utilised a cross-sectional approach to a programme evaluation, papers two and three utilised qualitative methodologies, and paper four was based on a longitudinal cohort study design. The findings highlight the low uptake of PMTCT interventions and inappropriate infant feeding choices. The experiences of women with HIV provide an important insight into the difficulties of operationalising the WHO/UNICEF HIV and infant feeding recommendations in real life settings, where rates of HIV disclosure are low and mixed feeding is the norm. Several personal and environmental characteristics were identified that contributed to success in maintaining exclusive infant feeding practices. The research provides some guidance on the definition of appropriateness in infant feeding choices, and highlights the poor outcomes associated with formula feeding under unsafe conditions. Modifying infant feeding practices is essential in order to reduce postnatal HIV transmission and improve child survival. Interventions to improve infant feeding need to include improving the quality of counselling and support provided by health workers, with more structured assessments used to guide infant feeding choices. Efforts are also needed at the community level to increase rates of disclosure and to promote exclusive infant feeding as a norm.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Doherty, Tanya, et al.
(author)
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Severe events in the first 6 months of life in a cohort of HIV-unexposed infants from South Africa : effects of low birthweight and breastfeeding status
- 2014
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In: Tropical medicine & international health. - : Wiley. - 1360-2276 .- 1365-3156. ; 19:10, s. 1162-1169
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:To report on risk factors for severe events (hospitalisation or infant death) within the first half of infancy amongst HIV-unexposed infants in South Africa.METHODS:South African data from the multisite community-based cluster-randomised trial PROMISE EBF promoting exclusive breastfeeding in three sub-Saharan countries from 2006 to 2008 were used. The South African sites were Paarl in the Western Cape Province, and Umlazi and Rietvlei in KwaZulu-Natal. This analysis included 964 HIV-negative mother-infant pairs. Data on severe events and infant feeding practices were collected at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks post-partum. We used a stratified extended Cox model to examine the association between the time to the severe event and covariates including birthweight, with breastfeeding status as a time-dependent covariate.RESULTS:Seventy infants (7%) experienced a severe event. The median age at first hospitalisation was 8 weeks, and the two main reasons for hospitalisation were cough and difficult breathing followed by diarrhoea. Stopping breastfeeding before 6 months (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-5.1) and low birthweight (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.3) were found to increase the risk of a severe event, whilst maternal completion of high school education was protective (HR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.7).CONCLUSIONS:A strengthened primary healthcare system incorporating promotion of breastfeeding and appropriate caring practices for low birthweight infants (such as kangaroo mother care) are critical. Given the leading reasons for hospitalisation, early administration of oral rehydration therapy and treatment of suspected pneumonia are key interventions needed to prevent hospitalisation in young infants.
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| 15. |
- Engebretsen, Ingunn Marie S, et al.
(author)
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Early infant feeding practices in three African countries : the PROMISE-EBF trial promoting exclusive breastfeeding by peer counsellors.
- 2014
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In: International Breastfeeding Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-4358. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Immediate and exclusive initiation of breastfeeding after delivery has been associated with better neonatal survival and child health and are recommended by the WHO. We report its impact on early infant feeding practices from the PROMISE-EBF trial.METHODS: PROMISE-EBF was a cluster randomised behaviour change intervention trial of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) promotion by peer counsellors in Burkina Faso, Uganda and South Africa implemented during 2006-2008 among 2579 mother-infant pairs. Counselling started in the last pregnancy trimester and mothers were offered at least five postnatal visits. Early infant feeding practices: use of prelacteal feeds (any foods or drinks other than breast milk given within the first 3 days), expressing and discarding colostrum, and timing of initiation of breastfeeding are presented by trial arm in each country. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) are given.RESULTS: The proportion of women who gave prelacteal feeds in the intervention and control arms were, respectively: 11% and 36%, PR 0.3 (95% CI 0.2, 0.6) in Burkina Faso, 13% and 44%, PR 0.3 (95% CI 0.2, 0.5) in Uganda and 30% and 33%, PR 0.9 (95% CI 0.6, 1.3) in South Africa. While the majority gave colostrum, the proportion of those who expressed and discarded it in the intervention and control arms were: 8% and 12%, PR 0.7 (95% CI 0.3, 1.6) in Burkina Faso, 3% and 10%, PR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1, 0.6) in Uganda and 17% and 16%, PR 1.1 (95% CI 0.6, 2.1) in South Africa. Only a minority in Burkina Faso (<4%) and roughly half in South Africa initiated breastfeeding within the first hour with no large or statistically significant differences between the trial arms, whilst in Uganda the proportion of early initiation of breastfeeding in the intervention and control arms were: 55% and 41%, PR 0.8 (95% CI 0.7, 0.9).CONCLUSIONS: The PROMISE-EBF trial showed that the intervention led to less prelacteal feeding in Burkina Faso and Uganda. More children received colostrum and started breastfeeding early in the intervention arm in Uganda. Late breastfeeding initiation continues to be a challenge. No clear behaviour change was seen in South Africa.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00397150.
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| 16. |
- Engebretsen, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv, et al.
(author)
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Growth effects of exclusive breastfeeding promotion by peer counsellors in sub-Saharan Africa : the cluster-randomised PROMISE EBF trial
- 2014
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In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 14, s. 633-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In this multi-country cluster-randomized behavioural intervention trial promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Africa, we compared growth of infants up to 6 months of age living in communities where peer counsellors promoted EBF with growth in those infants living in control communities. Methods: A total of 82 clusters in Burkina Faso, Uganda and South Africa were randomised to either the intervention or the control arm. Feeding data and anthropometric measurements were collected at visits scheduled 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks post-partum. We calculated weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores. Country specific adjusted Least Squares Means with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on a longitudinal analysis are reported. Prevalence ratios (PR) for the association between peer counselling for EBF and wasting (WLZ < -2), stunting (LAZ < -2) and underweight (WAZ < -2) were calculated at each data collection point. Results: The study included a total of 2,579 children. Adjusting for socio-economic status, the mean WLZ at 24 weeks were in Burkina Faso -0.20 (95% CI -0.39 to -0.01) and in Uganda -0.23 (95% CI -0.43 to -0.03) lower in the intervention than in the control arm. In South Africa the mean WLZ at 24 weeks was 0.23 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.43) greater in the intervention than in the control arm. Differences in LAZ between the study arms were small and not statistically significant. In Uganda, infants in the intervention arm were more likely to be wasted compared to those in the control arm at 24 weeks (PR 2.36; 95% CI 1.11 to 5.00). Differences in wasting in South Africa and Burkina Faso and stunting and underweight in all three countries were small and not significantly different. Conclusions: There were small differences in mean anthropometric indicators between the intervention and control arms in the study, but in Uganda and Burkina Faso, a tendency to slightly lower ponderal growth (weight-for-length z-scores) was found in the intervention arms.
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| 17. |
- Ijumba, Petrida, et al.
(author)
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Effect of an integrated community-based package for maternal and newborn care on feeding patterns during the first 12 weeks of life : a cluster-randomized trial in a South African township
- 2015
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In: Public Health Nutrition. - 1368-9800 .- 1475-2727. ; 18:14, s. 2660-2668
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of community-based counselling on feeding patterns during the first 12 weeks after birth, and to study whether the effect differs by maternal HIV status, educational level or household wealth.DESIGN: Cluster-randomized trial with fifteen clusters in each arm to evaluate an integrated package providing two pregnancy and five postnatal home visits delivered by community health workers. Infant feeding data were collected using 24 h recall of nineteen food and fluid items.SETTING: A township near Durban, South Africa.SUBJECTS: Pregnant women (1894 intervention and 2243 control) aged 17 years or more.RESULTS: Twelve weeks after birth, 1629 (intervention) and 1865 (control) mother-infant pairs were available for analysis. Socio-economic conditions differed slightly across intervention groups, which were considered in the analyses. There was no effect on early initiation of breast-feeding. At 12 weeks of age the intervention doubled exclusive breast-feeding (OR=2·29; 95 % CI 1·80, 2·92), increased exclusive formula-feeding (OR=1·70; 95 % CI 1·28, 2·27), increased predominant breast-feeding (OR=1·71; 95 % CI 1·34, 2·19), decreased mixed formula-feeding (OR=0·68; 95 % CI 0·55, 0·83) and decreased mixed breast-feeding (OR=0·54; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·67). The effect on exclusive breast-feeding at 12 weeks was stronger among HIV-negative mothers than HIV-positive mothers (P=0·01), while the effect on mixed formula-feeding was significant only among HIV-positive mothers (P=0·03). The effect on exclusive feeding was not different by household wealth or maternal education levels.CONCLUSIONS: A perinatal intervention package delivered by community health workers was effective in increasing exclusive breast-feeding, exclusive formula-feeding and decreasing mixed feeding.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Ijumba, Petrida, et al.
(author)
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Free formula milk in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme : voices of a peri-urban community in South Africa on policy change
- 2013
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In: Health Policy and Planning. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0268-1080 .- 1460-2237. ; 28:7, s. 761-768
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In 2001, South Africa began implementing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme. This programme included distribution of free formula milk for infants up to 6 months of age at all public health facilities. Effective from 1 January 2011, KwaZulu-Natal became the first province to phase out free formula milk from its PMTCT programme. On 23 August 2011, the South African National Department of Health adopted promotion of exclusive breastfeeding as the national infant feeding strategy and made a decision to withdraw free formula milk from the PMTCT programme.Objective: To explore the perceptions and understanding of households at community level on the policy decision to phase out free formula milk from the PMTCT programme in South Africa.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted amongst women enrolled in a community randomized trial known as Good Start III. Focus group discussions were held with grandmothers, fathers and teenage mothers; and in-depth interviews were performed with HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Identified themes included: (1) variations in awareness and lack of understanding of the basis for the policy change, (2) abuse of and dysfunctional policy as perceived reasons for policy change and (3) proposed strategies for communicating the policy change.Conclusion: There is an urgent need to develop a multifaceted communication strategy clearly articulating the reasons for the infant feeding policy change and promoting the new breastfeeding strategy. The communication strategy should take into account inputs from the community. With a supportive environment and one national infant feeding strategy, South Africa has an opportunity to reverse years of poor infant feeding practices and to improve the health of all children in the country.
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| 20. |
- Ijumba, Petrida, 1951-, et al.
(author)
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Social circumstances that drive early introduction of formula milk : an exploratory qualitative study in a peri-urban South African community
- 2014
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In: Maternal and Child Nutrition. - : Wiley. - 1740-8695 .- 1740-8709. ; 10:1, s. 102-111
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Breastfeeding is widely endorsed as the optimal strategy for feeding newborns and young infants, as well as improving child survival and achieving Millennium Development Goal 4. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life is rarely practised in South Africa. Following the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) infant feeding recommendations (EBF for HIV-positive mothers with maternal or infant antiretroviral treatment), South Africa adopted breastfeeding promotion as a National Infant Feeding Strategy and removed free formula milk from the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV programme. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of mothers and household members at community level regarding the value they placed on formula feeding and circumstances that drive the practice in a peri-urban community. We conducted in-depth interviews with HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers in a community-randomised trial (Good Start III). Focus group discussions were held with grandmothers, fathers and teenage mothers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The following themes were identified; inadequate involvement of teenage mothers; grandmothers who become replacement mothers; fear of failing to practise EBF for 6 months; partners as formula providers and costly formula milk leading to risky feeding practices. The new South African Infant Feeding Strategy needs to address the gaps in key health messages and develop community-orientated programmes with a focus on teenage mothers. These should encourage the involvement of grandmothers and fathers in decision-making about infant feeding so that they can support EBF for optimal child survival.
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| 21. |
- Jackson, Debra J., et al.
(author)
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Operational effectiveness and 36 week HIV-free survival in the South African programme to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1
- 2007
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In: AIDS. - 0269-9370 .- 1473-5571. ; 21:4, s. 509-516
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Previous studies on the operational effectiveness of programmes to reduce transmission of HIV from mother-to-child (PMTCT) in Africa have generally been hospital-based pilot studies with short follow-up periods. METHOD: Prospective cohort study to evaluate the routine operational effectiveness of the South African National PMTCT Programme, primarily measured by HIV-free survival at 36 weeks post-delivery. Three of eighteen pilot sites participating in the programme were selected as they reflected differences in circumstances, such as HIV prevalence, socioeconomic status and rural-urban location. A total of 665 HIV-positive mothers and their infants were followed. RESULTS: HIV-free survival at 36 weeks varied significantly across sites with 84% in Paarl, 74% in Umlazi and 65% in Rietvlei (P = 0.0003). Maternal viral load was the single most important factor associated with HIV transmission or death [hazard ratio (HR), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-1.95]. Adjusting for health system variables (fewer than four antenatal visits and no antenatal syphilis test) explained the difference between Rietvlei and Paarl (crude HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.36-3.77; adjusted HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 0.93-3.50). Exposure to breastmilk feeding explained the difference between Umlazi and Paarl (crude HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.06-2.84; adjusted HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.81-2.48). CONCLUSION: Ever breastfeeding and underlying inequities in healthcare quality within South Africa are predictors of PMTCT programme performance and will need to be addressed to optimize PMTCT effectiveness.
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| 22. |
- Nkonki, Lungiswa Leonora, et al.
(author)
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Costs of promoting exclusive breastfeeding at community level in three sites in South Africa.
- 2014
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Community-based peer support has been shown to be effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates in a variety of settings.METHODS: We conducted a cost analysis of a community cluster randomised-controlled trial (Promise-EBF), aimed at promoting exclusive infant feeding in three sites in South Africa. The costs were considered from the perspective of health service providers. Peer supporters in this trial visited women to support exclusive infant feeding, once antenatally and four times postpartum.RESULTS: The total economic cost of the Promise-EBF intervention was US$393 656, with average costs per woman and per visit of US$228 and US$52, respectively. The average costs per woman and visit in an operational 'non research' scenario were US$137 and US$32 per woman and visit, respectively. Investing in the promotion of exclusive infant feeding requires substantial financial commitment from policy makers. Extending the tasks of multi-skilled community health workers (CHWs) to include promoting exclusive infant feeding is a potential option for reducing these costs. In order to avoid efficiency losses, we recommend that the time requirements for delivering the promotion of exclusive infant feeding are considered when integrating it within the existing activities of CHWs.DISCUSSION: This paper focuses on interventions for exclusive infant feeding, but its findings more generally illustrate the importance of documenting and quantifying factors that affect the feasibility and sustainability of community-based interventions, which are receiving increased focus in low income settings.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Nor, Barni, et al.
(author)
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Mother's perceptions and experiences of infant feeding within a community-based peer counselling intervention in South Africa
- 2012
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In: Maternal and Child Nutrition. - : Wiley. - 1740-8695 .- 1740-8709. ; 8:4, s. 448-458
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has the potential to significantly reduce infant mortality, but is frequently not practiced in low-income settings where infants are vulnerable to malnutrition and infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study explores mothers' experiences of infant feeding after receiving peer counselling promoting exclusive breast or formula feeding. This qualitative study was embedded in a cluster randomized peer counselling intervention trial in South Africa that aimed to evaluate the effect of peer counselling on EBF. Participants were selected from the three districts that were part of the trial reflecting different socio-economic conditions, rural–urban locations and HIV prevalence rates. Seventeen HIV-positive and -negative mothers allocated to intervention clusters were recruited. Despite perceived health and economic benefits of breastfeeding, several barriers to EBF remained, which contributed to a preference for mixed feeding. The understanding of the promotional message of ‘exclusive’ feeding was limited to ‘not mixing two milks’: breast or formula and did not address early introduction of foods and other liquids. Further, a crying infant or an infant who did not sleep at night were given as strong reasons for introducing semi-solid foods as early as 1 month. In addition, the need to adhere to the cultural practice of ‘cleansing’ and the knowledge that this practice is not compatible with EBF appeared to promote the decision to formula feed in HIV-positive mothers. Efforts to reduce barriers to EBF need to be intensified and further take into account the strong cultural beliefs that promote mixed feeding.
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| 25. |
- Nor, Barni, et al.
(author)
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"Peer but not peer" : considering the context of infant feeding peer counseling in a high HIV prevalence area
- 2009
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In: Journal of Human Lactation. - : SAGE Publications. - 0890-3344 .- 1552-5732. ; 25:4, s. 427-434
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Postnatal transmission of HIV through breastfeeding remains an unsolved problem in resource poor settings, where refraining from breastfeeding is neither feasible nor safe. This study describes how women experienced infant-feeding peer counseling within a community-based intervention trial in 3 settings in South Africa. In total, 17 interviews and 10 observations were done with HIV-infected and uninfected women. The findings raise questions on the concept of "peer." Some women feared the peer counselor visits and questioned their intentions. Others, especially HIV-infected women, valued peer counseling for the emotional support provided. Being HIV infected with limited or no network of support appeared stressful for most women. The effects of data collection on the delivery and uptake of peer counseling are discussed. The findings underline the contextual barriers facing peer counselors and show that these challenges could have important implications for the effectiveness of infant-feeding counseling in high HIV prevalence countries.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Oliphant, Nicholas P., et al.
(author)
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Integrated community case management of childhood illness in low- and middle-income countries
- 2021
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In: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1469-493X. ; :2
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The leading causes of mortality globally in children younger than five years of age (under-fives), and particularly in the regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Southern Asia, in 2018 were infectious diseases, including pneumonia (15%), diarrhoea (8%), malaria (5%) and newborn sepsis (7%) (UNICEF 2019). Nutrition-related factors contributed to 45% of under-five deaths (UNICEF 2019). World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with other development partners, have developed an approach - now known as integrated community case management (iCCM) - to bring treatment services for children 'closer to home'. The iCCM approach provides integrated case management services for two or more illnesses - including diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria, severe acute malnutrition or neonatal sepsis - among under-fives at community level (i.e. outside of healthcare facilities) by lay health workers where there is limited access to health facility-based case management services (WHO/UNICEF 2012).Objectives To assess the effects of the integrated community case management (iCCM) strategy on coverage of appropriate treatment for childhood illness by an appropriate provider, quality of care, case load or severity of illness at health facilities, mortality, adverse events and coverage of careseeking for children younger than five years of age in low- and middle-income countries.Search methods We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL on 7 November 2019, Virtual Health Library on 8 November 2019, and Popline on 5 December 2018, three other databases on 22 March 2019 and two trial registers on 8 November 2019. We performed reference checking, and citation searching, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies.Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, controlled before-after studies (CBAs), interrupted time series (ITS) studies and repeated measures studies comparing generic WHO/UNICEF iCCM (or local adaptation thereof) for at least two iCCM diseases with usual facility services (facility treatment services) with or without single disease community case management (CCM). We included studies reporting on coverage of appropriate treatment for childhood illness by an appropriate provider, quality of care, case load or severity of illness at health facilities, mortality, adverse events and coverage of careseeking for under-fives in low- and middle-income countries.Data collection and analysis At least two review authors independently screened abstracts, screened full texts and extracted data using a standardised data collection form adapted from the EPOC Good Practice Data Collection Form. We resolved any disagreements through discussion or, if required, we consulted a third review author not involved in the original screening. We contacted study authors for clarification or additional details when necessary. We reported risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and hazard ratios (HR) for time to event outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for clustering, where possible. We used estimates of effect from the primary analysis reported by the investigators, where possible. We analysed the effects of randomized trials and other study types separately. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.Main results We included seven studies, of which three were cluster RCTs and four were CBAs. Six of the seven studies were in SSA and one study was in Southern Asia. The iCCM components and inputs were fairly consistent across the seven studies with notable variation for the training and deployment component (e.g. on payment of iCCM providers) and the system component (e.g. on improving information systems). When compared to usual facility services, we are uncertain of the effect of iCCM on coverage of appropriate treatment from an appropriate provider for any iCCM illness (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.19; 2 CBA studies, 5898 children; very low-certainty evidence). iCCM may have little to no effect on neonatal mortality (HR 1.01, 95% 0.73 to 1.28; 2 trials, 65,209 children; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of iCCM on infant mortality (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.26; 2 trials, 60,480 children; very low-certainty evidence) and under-five mortality (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.37; 1 trial, 4729 children; very low-certainty evidence). iCCM probably increases coverage of careseeking to an appropriate provider for any iCCM illness by 68% (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.27; 2 trials, 9853 children; moderate-certainty evidence). None of the studies reported quality of care, severity of illness or adverse events for this comparison. When compared to usual facility services plus CCM for malaria, we are uncertain of the effect of iCCM on coverage of appropriate treatment from an appropriate provider for any iCCM illness (very low-certainty evidence) and iCCM may have little or no effect on careseeking to an appropriate provider for any iCCM illness (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.17; 1 trial, 811 children; low-certainty evidence). None of the studies reported quality of care, case load or severity of illness at health facilities, mortality or adverse events for this comparison.Authors' conclusions iCCM probably increases coverage of careseeking to an appropriate provider for any iCCM illness. However, the evidence presented here underscores the importance of moving beyond training and deployment to valuing iCCM providers, strengthening health systems and engaging community systems.
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| 28. |
- Tomlinson, Mark, et al.
(author)
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An effectiveness study of an integrated, community-based package for maternal, newborn, child and HIV care in South Africa : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
- 2011
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In: Trials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6215. ; 12:1, s. 236-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Progress towards MDG4 in South Africa will depend largely on scaling up effective prevention against mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and also addressing neonatal mortality. This imperative drives increasing focus on the neonatal period and particularly on the development and testing of appropriate models of sustainable, community-based care in South Africa in order to reach the poor. A number of key implementation gaps affecting progress have been identified. Implementation gaps for HIV prevention in neonates; implementation gaps for neonatal care especially home postnatal care; and implementation gap for maternal mental health support. We have developed and are evaluating and costing an integrated and scaleable home visit package delivered by community health workers targeting pregnant and postnatal women and their newborns to provide essential maternal/newborn care as well as interventions for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.METHODS:The trial is a cluster randomized controlled trial that is being implemented in Umlazi which is a peri-urban settlement with a total population of 1 million close to Durban in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The trial consists of 30 randomized clusters (15 in each arm). A baseline survey established the homogeneity of clusters and neither stratification nor matching was performed. Sample size was based on increasing HIV-free survival from 74% to 84%, and calculated to be 120 pregnant women per cluster. Primary outcome is higher levels of HIV free survival and levels of exclusive and appropriate infant feeding at 12 weeks postnatally. The intervention is home based with community health workers deliver two antenatal visits, a postnatal visit within 48 hours of birth, and a further four visits during the first two months of the infants life. We are undertaking programmatic and cost effectiveness analysis to cost the intervention.DISCUSSION:The question is not merely to develop an efficacious package but also to identify and test delivery strategies that enable scaling up, which requires effectiveness studies in a health systems context, adapting and testing Asian community-based studies in various African contexts.
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| 29. |
- Tomlinson, Mark, et al.
(author)
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Goodstart : a cluster randomised effectiveness trial of an integrated, community-based package for maternal and newborn care, with prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in a South African township
- 2014
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In: Tropical medicine & international health. - : Wiley. - 1360-2276 .- 1365-3156. ; 19:3, s. 256-266
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Progress towards MDG4 for child survival in South Africa requires effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV including increasing exclusive breastfeeding, as well as a new focus on reducing neonatal deaths. This necessitates increased focus on the pregnancy and early post-natal periods, developing and scaling up appropriate models of community-based care, especially to reach the peri-urban poor.METHODS: We used a randomised controlled trial with 30 clusters (15 in each arm) to evaluate an integrated, scalable package providing two pregnancy visits and five post-natal home visits delivered by community health workers in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa. Primary outcomes were exclusive and appropriate infant feeding at 12 weeks post-natally and HIV-free infant survival.RESULTS: At 12 weeks of infant age, the intervention was effective in almost doubling the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (risk ratio 1.92; 95% CI: 1.59-2.33) and increasing infant weight and length-for-age z-scores (weight difference 0.09; 95% CI: 0.00-0.18, length difference 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03-0.19). No difference was seen between study arms in HIV-free survival. Women in the intervention arm were also more likely to take their infant to the clinic within the first week of life (risk ratio 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04-1.18).CONCLUSIONS: The trial coincided with national scale up of ARVs for PMTCT, and this could have diluted the effect of the intervention on HIV-free survival. We have demonstrated that implementation of a pro-poor integrated PMTCT and maternal, neonatal and child health home visiting model is feasible and effective. This trial could inform national primary healthcare reengineering strategies in favour of home visits. The dose effect on exclusive breastfeeding is notable as improving exclusive breastfeeding has been resistant to change in other studies targeting urban poor families.
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| 30. |
- Tylleskär, Thorkild, et al.
(author)
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Exclusive breastfeeding promotion by peer counsellors in sub-Saharan Africa (PROMISE-EBF) : a cluster-randomised trial
- 2011
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In: The Lancet. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 378:9789, s. 420-427
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is reported to be a life-saving intervention in low-income settings. The effect of breastfeeding counselling by peer counsellors was assessed in Africa.Methods24 communities in Burkina Faso, 24 in Uganda, and 34 in South Africa were assigned in a 1:1 ratio, by use of a computer-generated randomisation sequence, to the control or intervention clusters. In the intervention group, we scheduled one antenatal breastfeeding peer counselling visit and four post-delivery visits by trained peers. The data gathering team were masked to the intervention allocation. The primary outcomes were prevalance of EBF and diarrhoea reported by mothers for infants aged 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Country-specific prevalence ratios were adjusted for cluster effects and sites. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered withClinicalTrials.gov, numberNCT00397150.Findings2579 mother–infant pairs were assigned to the intervention or control clusters in Burkina Faso (n=392 and n=402, respectively), Uganda (n=396 and n=369, respectively), and South Africa (n=535 and 485, respectively). The EBF prevalences based on 24-h recall at 12 weeks in the intervention and control clusters were 310 (79%) of 392 and 139 (35%) of 402, respectively, in Burkina Faso (prevalence ratio 2·29, 95% CI 1·33–3·92); 323 (82%) of 396 and 161 (44%) of 369, respectively, in Uganda (1·89, 1·70–2·11); and 56 (10%) of 535 and 30 (6%) of 485, respectively, in South Africa (1·72, 1·12–2·63). The EBF prevalences based on 7-day recall in the intervention and control clusters were 300 (77%) and 94 (23%), respectively, in Burkina Faso (3·27, 2·13–5·03); 305 (77%) and 125 (34%), respectively, in Uganda (2·30, 2·00–2·65); and 41 (8%) and 19 (4%), respectively, in South Africa (1·98, 1·30–3·02). At 24 weeks, the prevalences based on 24-h recall were 286 (73%) in the intervention cluster and 88 (22%) in the control cluster in Burkina Faso (3·33, 1·74–6·38); 232 (59%) and 57 (15%), respectively, in Uganda (3·83, 2·97–4·95); and 12 (2%) and two (<1%), respectively, in South Africa (5·70, 1·33–24·26). The prevalences based on 7-day recall were 279 (71%) in the intervention cluster and 38 (9%) in the control cluster in Burkina Faso (7·53, 4·42–12·82); 203 (51%) and 41 (11%), respectively, in Uganda (4·66, 3·35–6·49); and ten (2%) and one (<1%), respectively, in South Africa (9·83, 1·40–69·14). Diarrhoea prevalence at age 12 weeks in the intervention and control clusters was 20 (5%) and 36 (9%), respectively, in Burkina Faso (0·57, 0·27–1·22); 39 (10%) and 32 (9%), respectively, in Uganda (1·13, 0·81–1·59); and 45 (8%) and 33 (7%), respectively, in South Africa (1·16, 0·78–1·75). The prevalence at age 24 weeks in the intervention and control clusters was 26 (7%) and 32 (8%), respectively, in Burkina Faso (0·83, 0·45–1·54); 52 (13%) and 59 (16%), respectively, in Uganda (0·82, 0·58–1·15); and 54 (10%) and 33 (7%), respectively, in South Africa (1·31, 0·89–1·93).InterpretationLow-intensity individual breastfeeding peer counselling is achievable and, although it does not affect the diarrhoea prevalence, can be used to effectively increase EBF prevalence in many sub-Saharan African settings.
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