Predictors of Infant Age at Enrollment in Early Infant Diagnosis Services in Kenya

Kathy Goggin, Catherine Wexler, Niaman Nazir, Vincent S. Staggs, Brad Gautney, Vincent Okoth, Samoel A. Khamadi, Andrea Ruff, Michael Sweat, An Lin Cheng, Sarah Finocchario-Kessler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite the importance of early detection to signal lifesaving treatment initiation for HIV+ infants, early infant diagnosis (EID) services have received considerably less attention than other aspects of prevention of mother to child transmission care. This study draws on baseline data from an on-going cluster randomized study of an intervention to improve EID services at six government hospitals across Kenya. Two logistic regressions examined potential predictors of “on time” (infant ≤6 weeks of age) vs. “late” (≥7 weeks) and “on time” versus “very late” (≥12 weeks) EID engagement among 756 mother-infant pairs. A quarter of the infants failed to get “on time” testing. Predictors of “on time” testing included being informed about EID by providers when pregnant, perceiving less HIV stigma, and mother’s level of education. Predictors of “very late” testing (≥12 weeks of age) included not being informed about EID by providers when pregnant and living farther from services. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring that health care providers actively and repeatedly inform HIV+ mothers of the availability of EID services, reduce stigma by frequently communicating judgment free support, and assisting mothers in early planning for accessing EID services. Extra care should be focused on engaging mothers with less formal education who are at increased risk for seeking “late” EID testing. This study offers clear targets for improving services so that all HIV-exposed infants can be properly engaged in EID services, thus increasing the potential for the best possible outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2141-2150
Number of pages10
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume20
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016

Keywords

  • EID
  • Global health
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Infants
  • PMTCT
  • Vertical prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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