Adherence, perceptions and knowledge of an HIV PMTCT programme : a mother-baby pair study

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Authors

Mabuka, Sthembiso
Lowane, Mygirl P.
Nesengani, Tintswalo Victoria
Simbeni, Thembi V.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes are designed to prevent HIV transmission to infants and children. Despite efforts to achieve this goal, several factors continue to pose challenges. OBJECTIVES : To investigate the level of adherence, perceptions, knowledge, and factors associated with adherence to the PMTCT programme in primary healthcare facilities. METHOD : A descriptive cross-sectional study design and quantitative research approach was used, and clinical records were reviewed to determine the prevalence of seroconverted babies of mothers enrolled in a PMTCT programme for the past 2 years in the community healthcare centres. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS : A total of 341 mother-baby pairs were recruited and took part in the study. Most women (263; 77%), perceived that a pregnant woman living with HIV can transmit the virus to her unborn baby. The following factors were independently associated with non-adherence: being unmarried, the period of maternal HIV diagnosis and initiation on antiretroviral therapy, unsuppressed viral load results, missed clinic appointments, side effects, and getting tired of taking HIV medication. CONCLUSION : This study investigated adherence to and perceptions of all components of the PMTCT programme by pregnant and breastfeeding women in primary healthcare facilities. Despite the significant progress made, maternal and paediatric HIV pandemic pose a challenge to the PMTCT services. There is a need for follow-up research to monitor the ongoing adherence to the PMTCT programme and its long-term impact in reducing the rate of transmission of HIV in mothers.

Description

DATA AVAILABILITY : The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. The data sets used and analysed during this study are available from the corresponding author, M.P.L., on reasonable request.

Keywords

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV transmission, Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), Adherence, Perceptions, HIV-positive women, Knowledge, Mother-baby pairs, PMTCT programme, Seroconversion, SDG-03: Good health and well-being

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being

Citation

Mabuka, S., Lowane, M.P., Nesengani, T.V. & Simbeni, T.V. Adherence, perceptions and knowledge of an HIV PMTCT programme: A mother-baby pair study. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine 2025;26(1), a1648. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v26i1.1648.