P45.04
Background: Expand access to early infant diagnosis and earlier and improved pediatric treatment are essential in order to improve survival rates and health outcomes for children. Non-adherence in the first few weeks may lead to the development of the premature development of drug-resistant virus. This study therefore designed to document barriers to Uptake of Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing (PCR) and initiation of Cotrimoxazole (CTX) for HIV-exposed Infants at Six Weeks among PMTCT Mothers at the State Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
Methods: A Case file of 30 PMTCT mothers who delivered two months prior to this study were randomly selected and reviewed. The HIV prevalence of pregnant women in this facility was 16.0%. Client information was reviewed and telephone interviews were conducted with each client. Counseling was provided to mothers to encourage a clinic visit for infant HIV PCR testing and CTX prophylaxis.
Results: Few (17.8%) of the mothers were not aware that they need to bring their infant for HIV PCR testing and these women had brought their babies for immunizations but the infants were not identified as HIV-exposed. Some (36.9%) of the infants had received HIV PCR testing, but CTX was not dispensed. Reported barriers among respondents were distance to the clinic (78.9%), spouse disapproval (43.7%), and stigma and discrimination (39.0%).
Conclusions: In order to improve early diagnosis and treatment of children, linking of children from PMTCT to care has to be strengthened. This calls for more recruitment and training of Staff. Delivery facilities should also have clear traceable records of the number of HIV-positive women who deliver.
