Text in English / The aim of the study was to describe the competencies of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care (PNC) with the intention of adapting and linking international best practice guidelines as well as a conceptual framework for the implementation of PNC in Swaziland. A quantitative cross-sectional design study was conducted to investigate the competencies of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care services to mothers and their infants. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select eighty-eight (88) midwives and six (6) senior midwives to participate in the study. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was complemented by data that was generated from open-ended questions at the end of the questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 software. The study highlighted that all the midwives who participated in this study had the relevant qualification. Of the respondents, 70.5% were state-certified midwives with a second registered certificate, 27.3% had bachelor’s degrees, while 2.3% had an advanced midwifery certificate. The study found no difference between the type of qualification of midwives and the knowledge of PNC interventions to be offered to mothers immediately post-delivery across different qualifications held by the midwives (Kruskal-Wallis test: x2=5.498, df=2, p=0.064). Gaps were identified in their knowledge and practices. There were discrepancies in the level of knowledge and practices regarding maternal vital sign assessment immediately after delivery (within 30 minutes). It was noted that these vital signs, i.e. blood pressure (12.5%), temperature (50.0%), pulse (54.5%), respiration (63.6%) were not taken after delivery. It was also noted that 15.0%, 58.0%, 64.8% of the respondents were not aware of the importance of assessing newborns for APGAR, skin-to-skin contact and drying the neonate. The study found that there were no postnatal care guidelines in Swaziland. The findings of the study led to the adaption and linkage of the latest international evidence-based guidelines and a conceptual framework for the implementation of immediate PNC to mothers and their infants in Swaziland. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Thesis in English, Annexure E: Consent form (leaf 81) as well as KABP Survey Questionnaire (leaves 87-91) in English and SiSwati. / The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge, explore attitudes and determine practices of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV regarding post-natal PMTCT interventions and services. The study was quantitative and descriptive in nature, utilising a retrospective cohort design. The study sample included breastfeeding mothers living with HIV, who attended the King Sobhuza II public health unit in the Manzini region of Swaziland. A written questionnaire was administered to a non-random sample of 90 consecutively selected mothers living with HIV attending the above-cited public health unit for post-natal health purposes. The overall study results revealed that the majority of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in the afore-mentioned region (77.8%) presented high levels of knowledge on PMTCT, and 90% demonstrated a positive attitude; while a further 90% also demonstrated positive behaviour towards PMTCT. However, stigma and discrimination among family members, non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners; as well as poverty and fear of future drug-resistance are the cause of non-adherence to ARV prophylaxis. Furthermore, inconsistent condom use, mixed-feeding methods and wet-nursing also emerged as other contributing factors to the increase of post-natal mother-to-child transmission of HIV among breastfeeding mothers living with HIV. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Thesis in English, Annexure E: Consent form (leaf 81) as well as KABP Survey Questionnaire (leaves 87-91) in English and SiSwati. / The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge, explore attitudes and determine practices of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV regarding post-natal PMTCT interventions and services. The study was quantitative and descriptive in nature, utilising a retrospective cohort design. The study sample included breastfeeding mothers living with HIV, who attended the King Sobhuza II public health unit in the Manzini region of Swaziland. A written questionnaire was administered to a non-random sample of 90 consecutively selected mothers living with HIV attending the above-cited public health unit for post-natal health purposes. The overall study results revealed that the majority of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in the afore-mentioned region (77.8%) presented high levels of knowledge on PMTCT, and 90% demonstrated a positive attitude; while a further 90% also demonstrated positive behaviour towards PMTCT. However, stigma and discrimination among family members, non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners; as well as poverty and fear of future drug-resistance are the cause of non-adherence to ARV prophylaxis. Furthermore, inconsistent condom use, mixed-feeding methods and wet-nursing also emerged as other contributing factors to the increase of post-natal mother-to-child transmission of HIV among breastfeeding mothers living with HIV. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)