Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected pregnant women in public health sectors: a pilot of Chilenje level one Hospital Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: regular use of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in pregnancy and breastfeeding reduces the odds of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (MTCT). However, adherence to ART is critical for MTCT to be successful. The present study investigated factors that influence adherence to ART among HIV infected pregnant women in Zambia.

Methods: a cross-sectional study design was conducted involving 71 HIV infected pregnant women who were advised to join the Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) program during their routine Antenatal clinic (ANC) visit and were on ART for more than six months. We used the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) to quantify adherence levels. We used logistic regression to establish factors that influence adherence to ART.

Results: a total of 71 HIV infected pregnant women with a median age of 27years (IQR, 25-30) were enrolled in the study. There was evidence of a difference in adherence levels between pregnant women above 30 years and ones between 15 years and 30 years (P<0.001). Median adherence levels in this group were found to be at 96%(IQR 89-97). The main predictor of adherence in this population was marital status (being on separation) and age. The women who were on separation were 0.14 times less likely to adhere to option B+ compared to married women.

Conclusion: adherence to option B+ among pregnant women is low. Adherence was significantly influenced by marital status (being on separation) and age. Efforts to improve adherence should be directed towards women on separation and young adults (< 30 years of age).