Factors that May Influence Adherence in a University Based Program for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Yaoundé – Cameroon

Abstract

Background: The prevention of mother-to child transmission (PMTCT) is considered as a major strategies to fight the HIV infection in children. Very few study have analyzed the uptake, adherence and the retention of the pregnant women in the PMTCT in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to identify factors that may influence adherence in the PMTCT in Yaoundé. Methods: Over a 6 months period, we carried out a cross sectional and descriptive study from January to June 2015. We conducted the interview of all consenting HIV infected and pregnant women followed at the university teaching hospital of Yaoundé using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. Results: We recruited 61 patients, 52% were living with HIV for more than 5 years. Close to 39% still believed that AIDS was a shameful disease. No partner was involved in the program. Although all of them have heard about PMTCT, only 70% have really understood it, 26 patients (43%) have decided to breastfed their child for financial reasons (60%) or to follow the recommendations of the WHO (40%). Many of them complained about the high consultation fees. Many of them declared that there should be a psychologist to listen to them, and requested for further information about the program. They complained about stigmatization. Conclusions: bad attitudes toward the HIV infection, poverty, stigmatization, low involvement of the partners, and misunderstanding of the PMTCT are factors which may have a negative impact on the adherence in the program of the UTH of Yaoundé.