Midwives' perceptions of and attitudes towards prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services has become an integral part of antenatal services. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission was introduced in all the regions of Ghana, but mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) continued to increase. Objectives: To explore and describe midwives' perceptions and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV services. Method: Quantitative research approach and descriptive cross-sectional design were used. The population includes all midwives between the ages of 21 and 60 years who work in antenatal care (ANC) clinics in 11 district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana where the study was conducted. Forty-eight midwives were interviewed using a census sample process. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Correlation analysis was performed to find the relationships between the attitudes and the perceptions of the midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Results: Seventy percent of midwives had positive perceptions of PMTCT of HIV services and 85% had positive attitudes towards the provision of PMTCT of HIV services. Midwives were screening all pregnant women who visited the ANCs and referring those who tested positive to other institutions where they can be monitored. Some of the concerns considered were views on retesting HIV-infected pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between attitudes and perceptions of midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Conclusion: Midwives had positive perceptions and positive attitudes towards the PMTCT of HIV services that they were providing to antenatal attendees. Also, as the attitudes of the midwives towards PMTCT of HIV services improved, their perceptions of PMTCT services also improved. Contribution: Decentralisation of PMTCT of HIV services to community-based health facilities is appropriate to enable sub-district health facilities to test for HIV and provide counselling services to pregnant women.

Maternal outcomes among HIV positive pregnant mothers and birth outcomes of HIV exposed newborns in Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Background Approximately 37 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2015. This led to high morbidity and mortality among women of childbearing age, especially in SubSaharan Africa which was the epicentre of this global pandemic. Strengthening and implementing prevention of mother-to-child (PMTCT) services could reduce the incidence of vertical transmission and improve quality of life. We aimed to determine maternal and birth outcomes among HIV-positive pregnant mothers and HIV-exposed newborns in Nyahururu county referral hospital, Laikipia, Kenya. Main Outcomes Measures Reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and other birth-related complications. In addition, this will also reduce infant mortality and morbidity among HIV-exposed infants. Materials And Methods This was a hospital-based descriptive prospective study conducted at the PMTCT department at the Nyahururu County referral hospital. A sample of 180 HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled at the PMTCT consented to participate in the study. We monitored them until delivery and labour complications were addressed. Babies were scored against the APGAR scale, weighed and spot dried blood samples taken before breastfeeding; and started on prophylactic antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS Out of 180 participants, only 17 did not complete the study. Our findings indicate that 97.5 % of the mothers delivered in the hospital, had labour lasting less than 12 hours, 92.6% had a normal delivery and 94.9% had no complications during the labour period. About 2.5 % of the women had misoprostol administration. The majority of exposed babies had an average weight of between 2.51 - 3.00kg. No neonatal asphyxia was evident among exposed babies. Conclusions: The majority of the respondents delivered in the hospital; no neonatal asphyxia was evidenced and there was a significant correlation between APGAR scores and infant weight. There is a need for active follow-up and monitoring of HIV pregnant women and their unborn babies until delivery.

Pratiques alimentaires et état nutritionnel des nourrissons exposés au VIH dans un centre de santé à Abidjan / Feeding practices and nutritional satus of infants exposed to HIV in a health center in Abidjan

Introduction. L'objectif de notre étude était de décrire les pratiques alimentaires des nourrissons nés de mères infectées par le VIH ainsi que leur état nutritionnel. Méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale à visée descriptive et analytique sur une période de 2 mois (01 juin au 03 Août 2016) portant sur 101 nourrissons nés de mères séropositives âgés de 6 à 24 mois au moment de l'enquête. Des informations sur les pratiques alimentaires et l'état nutritionnel des nourrissons ont été recueillies. Résultats. L'âge moyen des nourrissons était de 14,5 mois et le sex ratio de 0,71. Plus de 3/4 des nourrissons étaient eutrophiques à la naissance (77,2%). Le budget alimentaire des ménages était compris entre 2000 f/CFA et 3000 f/CFA (45,54 %). L'allaitement maternel a été réalisé chez 73,3% des nourrissons. La prévalence de l'AME était de 65,4%. L'âge à l'arrêt de l'allaitement était de 6 mois chez plus de la moitié (52,7%) des nourrissons. la majorité des nourrissons (99,0%) avait une fréquence de repas adaptée à leur âge. L'âge d'introduction d'aliments de complément était inadapté chez un tiers des nourrissons (30,6%), l'âge d'introduction au repas familial était inapproprié chez 64,9 % des nourrissons et plus de la moitié des nourrissons (53,3%) avait une fréquence de repas lactés inadaptée. le score de diversifi cation alimentaire était ≥ 4 aliments chez 18,8% des cas. Les céréales et les tubercules ont été le plus souvent consommés par les nourrissons (97 %) contrairement aux fruits et légumes riches en vitamines A (20%) et aux œufs (14%). Une émaciation a été relevée dans 9,9% des cas. Les pratiques alimentaires associés à la malnutrition étaient l'âge d'introduction d'aliments solides, semis liquides et mous inadapté p=0,001, l'âge d'introduction au repas familial inadapté p=0,015, la fréquence alimentaire minimale inadaptée p=0,001 et le minimum alimentaire acceptable insuffi sant p=0,012. La prévalence du VIH était de 5,9% Conclusion. Les nourrissons nés de mères séropositives sont vulnérables à la malnutrition. Les acteurs des services de PTME doivent insister dans leurs pratiques sur la prise en charge nutritionnelle de ces nourrissons.

An evaluation of challenges with the South African PMTCT HIV programme seen from the perspective of HIV-positive children admitted to the PICU

Background. Mother-to-child transmissions (MTCT) accounts for 90% of the 370 000 new HIV-positive children, globally. Despite progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, children still acquire HIV infection. Objective. To identify and describe the prevalence of maternal, infant and/or health system-related risk factors gleaned from the literature for HIV transmission in HIV-positive children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Durban, South Africa. Method. A retrospective electronic chart review identifying all HIV-positive children under 2 years admitted to the PICU at IALCH between January 2017 and December 2019 was undertaken. Individual patient records were analysed using a standardised template. Results. Of the 80 mothers and children with HIV enrolled in the present study, 38.8% (n=31/80) of mothers were diagnosed prior to pregnancy, 42.5% (n=34/80) were diagnosed during pregnancy (unsure when exactly transmission occurred), and 18.8% (n=15/80) of mothers were diagnosed after delivery. The median (range) time of antiretroviral treatment (ART) was 225 (30 - 365) days for mothers. More than half of mothers (56.3%, n=45/80) whose babies became HIV-positive had poor adherence to antiretroviral drugs (HIV viral load >1 000 copies/mL). An HIV-positive diagnosis in the children of these mothers occurred throughout infancy and early childhood, especially in the first 6 months (87.5%, n=70/80). A third of mothers practised mixed feeding. Health system deficiency, mainly via cancellation of tests without notifying healthcare workers, was typical in infants (33%; n=26/80) and mothers (68.8%, n=55/80). All others (100%) were not counselled about the importance of PMTCT and 93.8% of mothers were not counselled about the importance of follow-up. Almost all HIV-positive infants (95%, n=76) presented with severe respiratory illness, mainly severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (62.5%, n=50/80) and pneumonia with hypoxic respiratory failure (32.5%, n=26/80). The overall mortality of the cohort was 22.5% (n=18/80), and most deaths were associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) or both (61.1%, n=11/18). Conclusion. This present study confirmed that a new diagnosis of HIV positivity occurs throughout pregnancy and early childhood in infants. Poor adherence to ART in mothers and their infants, poor counselling, failure to attend antenatal and postnatal care, mixed feeding, and challenged laboratory services were common modifiable factors that need addressing.

Infant feeding knowledge and practice among HIVpositive mothers attending HIV treatment centres in Lagos

Background: Twenty five to forty percent of children will be infected with HIV in the absence of any form of intervention which is Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT). Objectives: This study determined the infant feeding knowledge and practices among HIV positive mothers attending HIV treatment centers in Lagos. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional design was used for the study. A multistage sampling technique was used to select / recruit 290 HIV positive mothers with babies between the ages of 2weeks to 18months, attending PMTCT services into the study Pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was done using Epi-info software. Chi-square and Fischer exact tests were used to determine association between the dependent and independent variables. The pvalue was set at 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents (58.9%) were within the age range of 31 ­ 40 years and about half had a secondary school level of education. Exclusive formula feeding (40.3%) and exclusive breast feeding (42.4%) were feeding options known by the majority of the respondents. More than half (55.5%) of the mothers had a good knowledge of infant feeding options. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was practiced by majority (55.5%) of the respondents, 21.4% practiced exclusive formula feeding (EFF) while only 6% practiced mixed feeding (MF). Knowledge of infant feeding options and the attitude towards exclusive breast feeding being enough in the first 6 months of life were associated with infant feeding options practiced; those with good knowledge of infant feeding options did not practice MF (9.7%) (p = 0.013). Conclusion: knowledge of infant feeding options was good and poor knowledge was associated with exclusive formula feeding. Majority practiced EBF. Educational programmes targeted at improving the knowledge of HIV and infant feeding options as well as strengthening of counseling sessions at PMTCT clinic would help reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the child.

Twenty years of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission: research to implementation at a national referral hospital in Uganda

Background: Over 90% of new paediatric HIV infections are acquired through mother to child transmission. Prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) research in sub-Saharan Africa informed WHO guidelines which enabled implementation of PMTCT programs globally. Objectives: To describe Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) perinatal HIV prevention research and implementation of the Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) PMTCT program. Methods: Perinatal HIV prevention studies conducted at MU-JHU between 1997­2016 were summarized. Program aggregated data was extracted and analyzed using STATA 15. Results: In 1999, the HIVNET 012 study demonstrated that single-dose nevirapine (sdNVP) to the mother at onset of labor and to her newborn, reduced MTCT by nearly 50%. In 2016, the PROMISE study documented the safety and efficacy of ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Program implementation at MNRH started in 2000. Uptake of HIV testing increased from 70% to 99% from 2006 onwards. sd NVP was the initial ARV regimen but by 2012, MOH recommended Option B+(triple therapy). MTCT rates reduced from 16.9% in 2001 to 2.3% in 2020. Conclusion: Perinatal HIV prevention clinical trials conducted at MU-JHU provided evidence to inform WHO PMTCT guidelines. MNRH program evaluation demonstrated the significant decline in MTCT rates over the last two decades.

Factors influencing utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Luwero Hospital, Uganda

Introduction: The use of modern family planning methods is key for achieving the prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV, in the prevention of Mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) package. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning services by persons living with HIV at Luwero Hospital, Uganda. Methods: The study was conducted among 210 persons living with HIV attending the ART clinic and was based on cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design. Sampling was by simple random techniques. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaires. Results: The uptake of Modern FP services is low (36.7%) among persons living with HIV. It was attributed to client-related factors such as being married [AOR: 2.2, 95% CI [1.123-4.140], p = 0.038]) and other factors. These are; religious views discouraging use of modern FP (p= 0.034), negative side effects (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI [0.043-1.968], p = 0.044) and services being unfriendly for persons living with HIV (p=0.000]). Conclusions: Despite the presence of modern family planning services, uptake among persons living with HIV is low. Poor utilization is a recipe for unintended pregnancy and thus jeopardizes efforts in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Déterminants du risque élevé de transmission du VIH de mère à l'enfant dans quatre hôpitaux du Bénin / NA

Introduction : L'objectif actuel est l'élimination de la transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant. Ce travail vise à identifier les déterminants des hauts risques d'exposition au VIH chez les nouveau-nés de mère infectée au VIH. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive et analytique ayant porté sur les enfants à risque élevé d'exposition au VIH, suivis dans les services de pédiatrie de quatre hôpitaux universitaires au sud du Bénin pendant la période de septembre 2018 à septembre 2020. Résultats : Sur 888 nouveau-nés exposés au VIH et admis dans la période, 123 étaient à haut risque, soit une fréquence hospitalière de 13,9%. La majorité des mères (88,6%) vivait en couple. L'allaitement maternel exclusif protégé était le principal mode d'alimentation (77,2%). La plupart des nouveau-nés (73,2%) avait été mis sous ARV dans les 24 premières heures de vie. Le protocole thérapeutique utilisé n'était pas celui recommandé chez 15,5% des enfants et se faisait avec une monoprophylaxie NVP. Les ruptures d'ARV (AZT) avaient été observées périodiquement sur les sites. L'infection au VIH avait été confirmée chez cinq enfants soit 7 % des nouveau-nés classés haut risque dépistés. Les déterminants retrouvés sont le dépistage tardif au troisième trimestre (OR : 4,447 ; IC à 95% : 0,342-57,785), le déni de la maladie par la mère (OR : 9,763 ; IC à 95% : 1,098-86,835), le délai tardif de démarrage des ARV chez la mère (OR : 5,386 ; IC à 95% : 0,333-87,028). Conclusion : Cette étude nous a permis d'identifier les principaux déterminants à haut risque de transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant. Dans l'objectif de l'ETME il urge d'en tenir compte afin d'améliorer la prise en charge du couple mère-enfant.

Introduction: The current objective is to eliminate mother to child HIV transmission. This work aims at identifying the determinants of high risks of HIV exposure of newborns to HIV-infected mothers. Methodology: This was a transverse, descriptive and analytical study of infants at high risks of exposure to HIV, followed in the pediatric departments of four university hospitals in southern Benin from September 2018 to September 2020. Results: Out of 888 newborns exposed to HIV and admitted during the period, 123 were at high risk, meaning a hospital attendance of 13.9%. The majority of mothers (88.6%) lived with a partner. Protected exclusive breastfeeding was the main mode of feeding (77.2%). Most of the newborns (73.2%) had been put on anti-retro-viral drugs (ARVs) within the first 24 hours of life. The treatment protocol used was not that recommended for 15.5% of infants and was done with NVP monoprophylaxis. ARV supply shortages (AZT) had been observed periodically at the study sites. HIV infection had been confirmed for five infants, representing 7% of high-risk infants tested. The determinants found are late screening in the third trimester (OR: 4.447; 95% CI: 0.342-57.785), denial of the disease by the mother (OR: 9.763; 95% CI: 1.098-86.835), late start of ARVs treatment for the mother (OR: 5.386; 95% CI: 0.333 - 87.028). Conclusion: This study identified the major determinants of high risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. In line with the ETME, these could be considered to improve the care of the mother-child couple

Difficultés d'accessibilité aux activités de PTME dans le district de santé de Niamey V en 2016 / NA

Bien que la couverture des services de PTME soit relativement bonne mais avec des disparités selon les régions, de nombreuses femmes et nourrissons au Niger n'ont pas accès à ces interventions à temps. L'objectif de cette étude était d'identifier les facteurs limitant l'utilisation du service de PTME par les femmes vues en soins prénatals à l'hôpital de district de Niamey V en 2016. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale et analytique menée dans trois services de consultation prénatale, basée sur des entretiens avec toutes les femmes enceintes et les agents qui répondaient à nos critères d'inclusion. Notre échantillon comprenait 251 femmes enceintes et 8 agents de santé. Pour l'analyse des données nous avions utilisé les logiciels Epi info et Stata. Le test Ch2 de Pearson avait été utilisé pour relier les différentes variables. Résultats : L'âge variait de 15 à 47 ans avec une moyenne de 26,24 ans (écart type 6,19). La tranche d'âge des 21 à 35 ans était la plus représentée avec 78,49 %. Le niveau de connaissance sur le VIH/SIDA était satisfaisant. La TME avait été citée à 76,10, 56,57 % des femmes connaissaient l'existence du programme PTME et 56,57 % avaient cité les centres de santé comme source d'information. On avait noté que 25 % des agents de santé avaient une bonne connaissance des objectifs de PTME. L'analyse bivariée avait montré que la grossesse (Chi 2 Pearson = 8,29, p = 0,040) était positivement corrélée avec la connaissance du programme PTME alors que nous n'avions pas trouvé de relation significative avec le niveau d'éducation (Chi2 Pearson = 0,70, p = 0,401) Conclusion : Notre enquête nous a permis de constater que les femmes enceintes avaient une assez bonne connaissance du VIH/SIDA mais peu en PTME

Although the coverage of PMTCT services is relatively good but with disparities by region, many women and infants in Niger do not have access to its interventions on time. The objective of this study was to study the factors limiting the use of the PMTCT service by women seen in antenatal care at the Niamey V District Hospital in 2016. Methodology :This is a cross-sectional, analytical study carried out in three antenatal clinics, based on interviewing all pregnant women and agents who met our inclusion criteria. Our sample consists of 251 pregnant women and 8 health workers. For the data analysis we used the software Epi info and Stata. Pearson's Ch2 test was used to relate the different variables. Results :The age ranges from 15 to 47 years old with an average of 26.24 years (standard deviation 6.19). The 21 to 35 age group was the most represented with 78.49%. The level of knowledge about HIV / AIDS is satisfactory. In terms of HIV transmission, MTCT was cited at 76.10%. It was noted that 56.57% of the women were aware of the existence of the PMTCT program and 56.57% had cited health centers as a source of information. It was also noted that 25% of health workers had a good knowledge of PMTCT goals. Bivariate analysis showed that pregnancy (Chi 2 Pearson = 8.29, p = 0.040) was positively correlated with knowledge of the PMTCT program while we did not find a significant relationship with educational level (Chi2 Pearson = 0.70, p = 0.401) Conclusion :Our survey allowed us to note that pregnant women have fairly good knowledge about HIV / AIDS but low on PMTCT

Mothers' knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and infant feeding practices in Juba, South Sudan

Introduction: While exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended for HIV-infected mothers, this may not be practiced fully in South Sudan; exclusive formula feeding, which is the best alternative to breastfeeding, may not be practical. Objective: To assess the knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) and practices of feeding infants in the first six months of life among HIV-infected mothers attending Antiretroviral Therapy Centres in Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH) and Juba Military Hospital (JMH). Method: A cross-sectional study in which 304 HIV-infected mothers with children aged 6-18 months were interviewed between October and December 2016 using structured questionnaires. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted using interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistics Package for Social Sciences software. Chi-square test was used to test the presence of significant association between the variables and the association is statistically significant when the p-value is < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which predictor variables have major effect on the dependent variable. Qualitative data was transcribed in English and summarized according to the key themes, and the information obtained was used to supplement and interpret the findings of the quantitative data. Results: Only 120 (40%) of the HIV-infected mothers had a good knowledge of MTCT; 213 mothers (70.1%) practiced mixed feeding, 70 (23.0%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding and 20 (6.6%) practiced exclusive formula feeding. The factors that were found to have a positive effect on choice of infant feeding methods were having more than one child (odds ratio = 0.303, 95% Confidence interval: 0.161-0.571, p = 0.001) and participation in the prevention of motherto-child transmission of HIV programme (PMTCT) (odds ratio = 2.260, 95% Confidence interval: 1.251-4.084, p = 0.007). Stigma (p = 0.248) and mothers' knowledge of MTCT (p = 0.072) were not statistically significantly associated with the mothers' infant feeding practices. Conclusion: Knowledge of MTCT is low. Mixed feeding before six months of age is predominant among the HIV-infected mothers. It is therefore recomm;ended that HIV-infected mothers receive adequate information from counsellors regarding MTCT and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life

Implementing prevention policies for mother-to-child transmission of HIV in rural Malawi, South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania, 2013­2016

Objective To assess adoption of World Health Organization (WHO) guidance into national policies for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to monitor implementation of guidelines at facility level in rural Malawi, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania. Methods : We summarized national PMTCT policies and WHO guidance for 15 indicators across the cascades of maternal and infant care over 2013­2016. Two survey rounds were conducted (2013­2015 and 2015­2016) in 46 health facilities serving five health and demographic surveillance system populations. We administered structured questionnaires to facility managers to describe service delivery. We report the proportions of facilities implementing each indicator and the frequency and durations of stock-outs of supplies, by site and survey round.Findings In all countries, national policies influencing the maternal and infant PMTCT cascade of care aligned with WHO guidelines by 2016; most inter-country policy variations concerned linkage to routine HIV care. The proportion of facilities delivering post-test counselling, same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, antenatal care and ART provision in the same building, and Option B+ increased or remained at 100% in all sites. Progress in implementing policies on infant diagnosis and treatment varied across sites. Stock-outs of HIV test kits or antiretroviral drugs in the past year declined overall, but were reported by at least one facility per site in both rounds. Conclusion Progress has been made in implementing PMTCT policy in these settings. However, persistent gaps across the infant cascade of care and supply-chain challenges, risk undermining infant HIV elimination goals

Factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Anambra South, Nigeria

Background: In spite huge leaps in combating the spread and transmission of HIV globally, Nigeria still ranks high in the incidence of HIV among children. The study investigates the factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Anambra South. Data source and Method: Data from 515 HIV positive women of child bearing age were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data sets were subjected to chi square and binary logistic regression analysis. Result: The results show that 86% of the respondents were aware of the PMTCT strategies while marital status (69.8%), age (70.7%) and place of residence (52.1%) were found to affect the uptake and utilization of PMTCT services. Conclusion: Evidence from the study drew attention to the need for government, social workers and healthcare providers to rise to their responsibilities in encouraging HIV women of reproductive age to utilize PMTCT services in order to achieve African Union Agenda 3

Experiences of women enrolled in a prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection programme in Zimbabwe

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes have been reported to reduce the rate of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by 30% ­ 40% during pregnancy and childbirth. The PMTCT transmission is achieved by offering HIV prophylaxis or initiating antiretrovirals to pregnant women who test HIV positive. Being aware of the experiences of these women will assist in planning and implementing the relevant care and support. The study was conducted in three phases.Aim: This article will address phase 1 which is to explore and describe the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV.Setting: The study setting was a PMTCT site in a Provincial Hospital, in Zimbabwe.Methods: The study design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted from a purposive sample of 20 pregnant women. Thematic data analysis was performed.Results: Six themes emerged: realities of disclosure, a need for quality of life, perceived stigmatisation, inadequate knowledge on infant feeding, continuity of care, empowerment and support.Conclusions: The study concluded that pregnant women living with HIV require empowerment and support to live positively with HIV

Facteurs associés au portage de l'Aghbs en grossesse dans un pays de haute endémicité : une étude cas-témoin

Objectif. L'objectif était d'évaluer les facteurs associés au portage de l'aghbs en grossesse afin d'identifier des cibles de prévention. Matériels et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude cas témoin réalisée dans trois hôpitaux universitaires de Douala et Yaoundé. Les cas étaient constitués de femmes enceintes avec une sérologie AgHBs positive. Nous avons recruté 121 femmes enceintes Ag HBs positifs et les avons appariées à 242 mères Ag HBs négatifs après régression logistique. Résultats. Les facteurs associés au portage de l'AgHBs en grossesses étaient l'union libre [OR : 5,01 IC 95% (2,51-10,02) p=0,001 ]; la religion pentecôtiste [OR 4,3 IC 95% (1,41-13,47) p=0,01]; les antécédents d'ictère [OR : 5,3 IC 95% (1,20-23,37) p=0,02 ]; de soins dentaires [OR : 2,4 IC 95% (2,26-4,96) p=0,01 ]; et de scarifications [OR 7,4 IC 95% (3,77-14,58) p=0,00], l'hépatite B dans l'entourage [OR : 4,86 IC 95% (1,20-19,65) p=0,02] et l'antécédent familial d'infection à l'hépatite B au premier degré [OR : 7,08 IC 95% (1,44-34,78) p=0,01]. Conclusion. Plusieurs facteurs associés à l'hépatite B en grossesse précédemment identifiés dans la littérature récente ont été retrouvés. Le rôle des congrégations pentecôtistes, donnée spécifique de notre travail reste à confirmer

HIV Infection among children aged two years to less than eighteen years admitted to the Emergency Pediatric Unit in a tertiary health facility in Lafia North-Central Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that impairs the immune system by attacking the body's natural defense from infections and diseases. Pediatric HIV continue to be a major public health problem despite the global decline in its seroprevalence rates. The decline in the incidence of new HIV infections is particularly lower in children with a 52% reduction in the last ten years. This is attributed to a wider coverage in the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs. Several programs designed at curtailing mother to child transmission of HIV are yielding positive result. This is not unexpected since most of the HIV infections among children were acquired via maternal to child transmission. With this, the study sets out to determine the prevalence of new HIV infection among patients admitted to the Emergency Pediatrics Unit (EPU) using the provider-initiated testing and counseling approach. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the mini laboratory attached to the EPU of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia Nasarawa State between 1st August 2017 to 31st July 2018. Using non-probability sampling, categorical variables were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. The association between categorical variables were analyzed using chi square.RESULTS: A total of 964 children ranging in age from two to less than eighteen years were screened. The total number of males was 550 (57.1%) while females was 414 (42.9%) with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Five (0.5%) children were newly diagnosed with HIV of the 964 children tested for the infection. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HIV infection among children admitted into our Emergency Pediatric Unit was 0.5%, comparable to some earlier reports

HIV testing at birth: Are we getting it right?

Background: Birth polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing improves early detection of HIV and allows for early treatment initiation. National guidelines exist, but it is unknown whether these are being implemented correctly.Objectives: To determine whether HIV-exposed infants at the Mangaung University Community Partnership Programme Community Health Centre (MUCPP CHC) received PCR tests at birth, if HIV-positive infants were initiated on treatment, if follow-up dates were scheduled and the percentage of mothers or caregivers who returned to collect the results.Methods: The study was a retrospective descriptive file audit (1304 files) of births from 01 January to 31 December 2016 at MUCPP CHC. The study sample was 428 infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The birth register was used to collect the infants' HIV PCR test barcodes. The birth and 10-week PCR results were retrieved from an electronic database at the Virology Department, University of the Free State.Results: In total, 375 infants received a birth PCR test (87.6%) of which 4 (1.1%) tested HIV positive and 327 (87.2%) negative. Follow-up tests were not scheduled. However, 145 (44.3%) HIV-negative infants returned for a 10-week test. Irrespective of the PCR birth result, 157 (36.7%) infants were brought for a 10-week follow-up test at which time 3 (1.9%) tested positive and 151 (96.2%) negative.Conclusion: The majority of HIV-exposed infants received a PCR test at birth; however, the clinic is below the national target (90%) for HIV testing. A record-keeping system of infants' visits does not exist at MUCPP CHC, making it impossible to determine whether HIV-positive infants were started on antiretroviral treatment

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in the Bosome Freho district in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a descriptive cross-sectional design

Introduction: the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and children has called for a higher increase in global commitment and response to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding PMTCT of HIV in Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Methods: a facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in August of 2017, involving 339 pregnant women, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured pre-tested and validated questionnaire and analysed by using Stata SE version 12.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to test associations between background factors and the knowledge, attitudes and practices at 0.05 level of significance. Results: the level of knowledge was high (77.0%), attitudes were good (71.1%), and the practice of PMTCT was high (95.9%). However, the knowledge of participants on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, the moments when HIV transmission occurs, and the merits of elective caesarean sections as an HIV preventive method were grossly insufficient. Knowledge was influenced by the level of education (AOR=19 (95% CI: 1.08-333.82); p=0.04); Attitudes were influenced by the level of knowledge regarding PMTCT (AOR=5.3 (95% CI: 2.76-10.35); p<0.001). Conclusion: interventions to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PMTCT should focus more on women with less than Senior High School (SHS) level of education. Exclusive breastfeeding and elective caesarean sections, though effective in reducing transmission of HIV from the mother to the child, could be missed opportunities in reducing the burden of HIV in this community

Prevalence and route of transmission of undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection among children using provider-initiated testing and counselling strategy in Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: ninety-one percent of global Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in children occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling (PITC) Strategy is a means of reducing missed opportunities for HIV exposed or infected children. The present study determined the prevalence of HIV infection using PITC Strategy among children seen at the Paediatric Emergency Unit of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, and the possible route of transmission. Methods: cross-sectional study on prevalence of HIV infection using PITC model. 530 new patients whose HIV serostatus were unknown and aged 15 years or below were recruited consecutively and offered HIV testing. Serial algorithm testing for HIV infection using Determine HIV-1/2 and Uni-Gold rapid test kits was adopted. Seropositive patients younger than eighteen months had HIV Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase Chain Reaction (HIV DNA PCR) test for confirmation.Results: twenty-four (4.5%) of the 530 patients were confirmed to have HIV infection; of whom 19(79.2%) were less than 18 months of old; with age range of five to 156 months. Fifteen (62.5%) of the infected children were females; likewise, the gender specific infection rate was higher (%) among the females compared with (%) among the males. Two of the HIV infected children's mothers were late, while the remaining 22 mothers (%) were HIV seropositive. Mother-To-Child-Transmission was the most likely route of transmission in the children. Conclusion: PITC strategy is vital to the early diagnosis and effective control of HIV infection in children. However, this cannot be totally effective if PMTCT is not optimized

Facteurs prédictifs de naissance d'un nouveau-né séronégatif issu d'une mère séropositive au VIH à Douala

Introduction. La transmission mère-enfant du VIH constitue le principal mode de contamination chez les enfants âgés de moins de 5 ans. L'introduction de la thérapie antirétrovirale chez les femmes enceintes séropositives, les accouchements par césarienne et l'allaitement artificiel ont réussi à réduire considérablement la transmission verticale du virus de l'immunodéficience humaine. En l'absence de ces mesures préventives, le taux de transmission verticale varie entre 10 à 40%. L'objectif de cette étude est de présenter les facteurs qui prédisposent à la transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant à Douala. Matériel et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective, analytique et transversale menée à l'hôpital du district de Nylon, sur une période de sept mois allant de 01 décembre 2015 au 08 juin 2016. Les données ont été recueillies sur la base d'un questionnaire et les facteurs de transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant ont été évalués par régression logistique multi variée. Le test de Hosmer et Lemeshow a été utilisé pour vérifier l'ajustement du modèle. Les différences dans les proportions ont été testées en utilisant le test du chi carré. Les tests de Kruskal-Wallis ont été utilisés pour évaluer les différences globales, puis deux à deux le Mann-Whitney U-tests a été utilisé pour évaluer les différences entre les groupes. Résultats. Au total 157 dossiers de nourrissons ont été enrôlés dans cette étude, parmi eux, 20 étaient infectés par le VIH (P=12%). L'âge moyen au moment du diagnostic était de 4,3±3,6 mois (extrêmes : 1,5 et 16 mois). Les enfants nés avec un poids de moins de 2500 grammes présentaient un risque de TME de 5,6 fois supérieur par rapport à ceux nés avec un poids ≥2500 grammes (OR=5,6 ; IC95% :1,9-16,7). Les enfants qui n'avaient pas reçu de la Névirapine à la naissance (10/15) ont été plus infectés que ceux qui en avaient reçu (10/142) et présentaient un risque de 26,4 fois d'être infectés (OR=26,4 ; IC95% : 7,6-92,3 ; p<0,001). Conclusion. Les délais de mise sous traitement, le stade OMS IV de la maladie, l'alimentation mixte, les CD4 <100/mm3 se présentent comme étant les facteurs prédictifs de TME. Il est donc nécessaire de réduire la charge virale maternelle afin de pouvoir renforcer son système immunitaire et par ailleurs celui de l'enfant en favorisant l'allaitement maternel exclusif

HIV and adolescents' educational attainment in South Africa: disentangling the effect of infection in children and household members

Background. Many empirical studies have assessed the effect of adults' HIV infection on their livelihood. However, the effect of children's HIV status on their educational outcomes during adolescence has not been adequately investigated. Objectives. The study aims to evaluate the effect of household members' HIV infection and that of children on their educational outcomes (school enrolment and progression) during adolescence. Methods. Waves 1 to 4 of the South African National Income Dynamics Study panel data collected between 2008 and 2015 were used.Analytical samples contained data for 8 835 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, logistic and linear regression as well as Oaxaca and Ransom decomposition methods. Results. Of the study sample, 7 176 were currently in school and 636 were not. HIV infection had no effect on adolescent school enrolment. Adolescent HIV infection significantly reduced their school progress index by about 8.41. The explanter variables explained 18% of the adolescents' school progress gap associated with HIV infection. The unexplained gap might have been attributable to stigmatisation and/or unobserved morbidity associated with adolescents' HIV infection. Conclusion. Adolescent HIV infection affects their school progression. Education support should be targeted directly at HIV-infected children instead of targeting families with infected parents only