Examining the relationship between interpersonal support and retention in HIV care among HIV+\u2009nursing mothers in Uganda

Jerry John Nutor,Thomas J Hoffmann,Geoffrey Anguyo,Carol S Camlin,Pascal Agbadi

doi:10.1186/s13104-021-05639-z

Abstract

ObjectiveThe global burden of HIV on women and pediatric populations are severe in sub-Saharan Africa. Global child HIV infection rates have declined, but this rate remains quite high in sub-Saharan Africa due to Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). To prevent MTCT of HIV, postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are required to return to a health facility for HIV care within 60 days after childbirth (Retention in HIV care). Studies suggest that interpersonal support was positively associated with retention in HIV care. However, information on this association is lacking among postpartum WLHIV in Uganda. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between interpersonal support, measured with the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), and retention in HIV care.ResultsIn a total of 155 postpartum WLHIV, 84% were retained in HIV care. ISEL-12 was negatively associated with retention in HIV care. Postpartum WLHIV retained in care (24.984 ± 4.549) have lower ISEL-12 scores compared to the non-retained group (27.520 ± 4.224), t(35.572) = − 2.714, p = 0.01. In the non-income earning sample, respondents retained in care (24.110 ± 4.974) have lower ISEL scores compared to the non-retained group (27.000 ± 4.855), t(20.504) = -2.019, p = 0.049. This was not significant among income earning WLHIV.

Highlights

Continuous engagement in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care is essential to prevent new infection, eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and improve quality of life
Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL)-12 was negatively associated with retention in HIV care
Postpartum Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (WLHIV) retained in care (24.984 ± 4.549) have lower Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 (ISEL-12) scores compared to the non-retained group (27.520 ± 4.224), t(35.572) = − 2.714, p = 0.01

Summary

Introduction

Continuous engagement in HIV care is essential to prevent new infection, eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and improve quality of life. Previous studies have identified several barriers to the recommended retention in HIV care and optimal ART adherence during postpartum across the socioecological framework, from distal interpersonal and structural factors to individual-level determinants. Some of these barriers include lack of support, distance to a healthcare facility, HIV-related stigma, a poor patientprovider relationship and inadequate counselling [9–12]. There is a paucity of studies on the relationship between interpersonal support and retention in HIV care among women in the critical postpartum period in Uganda. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between interpersonal support and retention in HIV care among nursing mothers in western Uganda. The study hypothesized that Nursing mothers living with HIV with increasing scores on an interpersonal support scale will have a higher likelihood to be retained in HIV care

Results

Discussion

Conclusion