Effects of infant massage on HIV-infected mothers and their infants

Krista Oswalt1, Fred Biasini

  • 1Arizona State University, Phoenix, USA. roxie.foster@UCDenver.edu

PURPOSE. To determine the feasibility of implementing an infant massage intervention and to evaluate the preliminary effects of infant massage on HIV-infected mothers and their infants. DESIGN AND METHODS. In this two-group, randomized controlled pilot study, intervention group mothers were taught to perform infant massage daily for 10 weeks. RESULTS. Infant massage training had a positive impact on maternal depression, parental distress, and infant growth along with facilitating more optimal parent-child interactions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Infant massage, a quick, easy, and inexpensive intervention, is feasible in a clinic setting and may benefit human immunodeficiency virus-infected mothers and their infants.

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