Factors Influencing the Timing of the First HIV Virological Test for HIV Exposed Infants; A Cross Sectional Descriptive Study of HIV Positive Breastfeeding Mothers and their Infants in 10 Selected High-Volume Health Facilities in a Rural District in Western Uganda

Enos Mirembe Masereka,Clement Munguiko,Edson Musungu Bwambale,Edson Katsomyo

doi:10.34257/gjmrkvol20is1pg35

Abstract

Introduction: Although Option-B plus has registered tremendous success in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, the failure to follow the HIV testing algorithm for HIV Exposed Infants (HEIs) after birth is likely to make achieving zero new HIV infections among children unrealistic. Due to this, we sought to determine the factors affecting uptake of first Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test among HEIs to inform the selection of strategies to strengthen Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), an indicator that tracks progress towards achieving zero new HIV infections in children.

Highlights

Background factors associated with firstPCR testing among HEIs
Conclusions: we found out that slightly more than half of HEIs had their first PCR test done more than two months after birth
About 36.9 million people were living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2017;70% of these were residing in sub-Saharan Africa[1]

Summary

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 323 randomly selected HIV positive mothers and their HEIs receiving PMTCT services at selected ART accredited health facilities in western Uganda from 19thJuly to 19thAugust 2018. Data was collected using a questionnaire; HEIs, whose PCR test was taken within two months, and those after two months of birth were all randomly selected and included in this study. Conclusions: we found out that slightly more than half of HEIs had their first PCR test done more than two months after birth. We recommend the implementation of policies fostering small families for HIV positive women, taking ART services closer to the people through outreaches and health workers informing HIV positive mothers about the correct timing for HIV testing of HEIs. Keywords: HIV virological test, PCR HIV test, HIV exposed, infants, western uganda.

Results

Discussions

Conclusions

22 Has the nurse or doctor ever told you about testing the child for HIV?

26 How do the health workers treat you when you come for your medication?