Dynamics and constraints of early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in rural Kenya

Amin S. Hassan, Erick M. Sakwa, Helen M. Nabwera, Miriam M. Taegtmeyer, Robert M. Kimutai, Eduard J. Sanders, Ken K. Awuondo, Maureen N. Mutinda, Catherine S. Molyneux, James A. Berkley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A cohort design was used to determine uptake and drop out of 213 HIV-exposed infants eligible for Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV. To explore service providers and care givers knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the EID process, observations and in-depth interviews were conducted. 145 (68%) infants enrolled after 2 months of age. 139 (65%) dropped out before follow up to 18 months old. 60 (43%) drop outs occurred within 2 months of enrolment. Maternal factors associated with infant drop out were maternal loss to follow up (48 [68%] vs. 8 [20%], P\0.001) and younger maternal age (27.2 vs. 30.1 years, P = 0.033). Service providers and caregivers had inadequate training, knowledge and understanding of EID. Poverty and lack of social support were challenges in accessing EID services. EID should be more closely aligned within PMTCT services, integrated with routine mother and child health (MCH) activities and its implementation more closely monitored.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5-12
Number of pages8
JournalAIDS and Behavior
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Infant diagnosis
  • PCR
  • Prevention of mother to child transmission
  • Retention in care
  • Vertical transmission

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