Feasibility and Effects of Mobile Phone Text Messaging Plus Motivational Interviewing Versus Usual Care in Promotion of Breastfeeding Among HIV-infected Women in South Africa: A Randomized, Parallel Group, Controlled Pilot Trial

Breastfeeding reduces the risks of dying from infections and is currently recommended as the most beneficial feeding option for infants born to HIV-infected women in low-resourced settings. This recommendation contradicts previous recommendations to avoid breastfeeding to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. South Africa, a high HIV prevalent country, recently phased out access to free formula milk in the public sector in support of breastfeeding for HIV-infected women. The investigators previously found that few HIV-infected South African women choose breastfeeding and among those who did, many stop breastfeeding early. This study involves text messaging breastfeeding advice encouraging women to exclusively breastfeed, and inquire if they have any breastfeeding related problems, and motivational interviews exploring and supporting woman's commitment to continue breastfeeding.Participants meeting inclusion criteria who consent participation will be enrolled by a research nurse and immediately randomly assigned to text messaging plus motivational interviewing group or usual standard of care group.

The investigators propose a randomized, parallel group, standard of care-controlled pilot trial which will be conducted among HIV-infected women of low socio-economic background, giving birth at a primary healthcare clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. The pilot trial will assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial on communication and support approaches that may improve HIV-infected woman's adherence to exclusive and continued breastfeeding.