Adherence to HIV Treatment Postpartum: The Implications of Transitions Among Women Living With HIV in South Africa

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Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) efforts have reduced the rates of vertical transmission to 2.7%, however, optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence remains a difficult goal to reach, particularly postpartum. Longitudinal qualitative research reveals a variety of facilitators ...

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) efforts have reduced the rates of vertical transmission to 2.7%, however, optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence remains a difficult goal to reach, particularly postpartum. Longitudinal qualitative research reveals a variety of facilitators and barriers to the transition from pregnancy to postpartum including employment/financial concerns, logistical concerns around childcare and breastfeeding, worries about vertical transmission and difficulties bonding. This intervention draws on the growing cadre of community health workers within the South African health care system and Transition Theory to develop a behavioral intervention to support women living with HIV through the transition from pregnancy to postpartum. The investigators are conducting a small scale pilot study to compare the impact of a Transition Theory-based intervention to enhanced standard of care on self-reported ART adherence and engagement in ART services among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV.

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