Factors determining HIV viral testing of infants in the context of mother-to-child transmission

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors determining HIV viral testing of infants in the context of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Post-delivery HIV infected mothers 18 years and above with babies aged 3-6 months were interviewed on HIV viral testing of infants and factors associated with it. Among 311 HIV infected women 61.7% had their infant tested for HIV between 4 and 8 weeks. Bivariate analyses found that older age of the mothers, lower depression scores, higher PMTCT knowledge, low PMTCT risk behaviour (maternal and infant nevirapine adherence, health facility delivery and exclusive formula feeding), HIV status disclosure and attending a support group were associated with PCR test participation. In multivariate analyses higher PMTCT knowledge, infant nevirapine adherence, and not exclusive breast feeding were associated with polymerase chain reaction test participation. Various determinants of acceptance of participation in HIV viral testing of infants in the context of PMTCT were identified that can guide infant testing and diagnosis counselling and support services of PMTCT programmes.