Antenatal care for HIV positive women

Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.Approximately 29.1% of South African women of childbearing age tested HIV positive during their first antenatal visit in 2006 (DoH, 2007). This rate of HIV amongst the women of childbearing age reinforces the importance of understanding the management of HIV during pregnancy. During antenatal visits the general health of the woman and her unborn baby is assessed and managed. Management includes antiretroviral therapy to the HIV infected women with a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3, while women with a CD4 count above 200 cells/mm3 receive a single dose of nevirapine with the onset of labour provided to them by their local clinics. Currently, in Potchefstroom, women receive antenatal care at local primary health-care clinics and antiretroviral drugs at the antiretroviral clinic. There is little or no collaboration between the various clinics and the question arises if the needs of the women are being met. The aim of the research was to promote the health of HIV positive pregnant women by providing insight into the needs of these women and to formulate recommendations for antenatal care. The specific objective is to explore and describe the needs of HIV positive pregnant women regarding antenatal care. An explorative, descriptive, contextual design, following a qualitative approach was used during the research. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Interview questions were compiled from the research problems. Before the commencement of data collection, permission was obtained from the district health manager and Potchefstroom Hospital. A total of sixteen (16) HIV positive women were interviewed after informed consent had been obtained. Data analysis was done after each session and themes were categorised according to the women's needs. From the interviews it was found that each woman has her own specific needs regarding antenatal care. The needs of the participants followed a similar pattern and for this reason it could be divided into various categories. These categories include a need for support, a need for education, a need for improved services and a need for a non-judgemental environment. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.Master