Correlates of ART Adherence among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers Initiated on Life Long ART for People Living with HIV/AIDS (LLAPLA) in One Public Health Unit in the Hhohho Region

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women and the risk vertical transmission of HIV necessitate attention. In the absence of appropriate interventions, about a third of children born to HIV-positive women are likely to be infected. Almost all children infected with HIV are infected through vertical or mother-to-child transmission. The introduction of life lifelong ART for people living with HIV (LLAPLA) among pregnant is a necessary intervention in the prevention of mother to child transmission. In order for LLAPLA to be effective and efficient, it requires full cooperation of clients by good adherence. Lack of commitment by clients will render the programme ineffective. Hence it is important to understand the factors that influence adherence to LLAPLA. The purpose of the study was to describe the correlates of LLAPLA among pregnant and breastfeeding women on ART. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant and breastfeeding women on ART at Mbabane PHU. Data was collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done. Results: About 65% (n=158) participants had good adherence to ART while 31% (n=76) had poor adherence. Factors significantly associated to adherence were participant’s level of education (p=0.009), having a problem of forgetfulness (p=0.021), being listened to by the health worker (p=0.008) and having nice communication with the health worker (p=0.008). Predictors of good adherence were not having a problem of forgetfulness (p=0.015), the woman financially depending on her relatives (p=0.021) or being self-sustained financially (p=0.013) and not hiding ARVs from partner (p=0.004). There is still a need for more studies at a national level to investigate measures to improving adherence to LLAPLA.