Introduction While antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for pregnant women has undergone steady scale-up, Nigeria’s final mother- to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) rate remains unacceptably high at 10%. This study aimed to determine final outcomes (MTCT rates) and their correlates among HIV-exposed infants (HEI) in nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at 96 primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities supported by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria. Data was abstracted for a birth cohort of HEI born between October 30, 2014 and April 30, 2015 whose 18–24 month final outcome was assessed by October 30, 2016. Only infants with a six-week first DNA PCR result, and a rapid HIV antibody test result at age 18 to 24 months were included. Multivariate logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios [aORs]) evaluated for predictors of HIV positivity at ≥18 months. Results After testing at ≥18 months, 68 (2.8%) of the 2,405 exposed infants in the birth cohort were HIV-positive. After a minimum of 18 months of follow-up, 51 (75%) HIV-positive infants were alive on ART; 7 (10%) had died, 5 (7.3%) were lost to follow-up and 5 (7.3%) were transferred out. Rural maternal residence, lack of maternal ART/ARV prophylaxis, mixed infant feeding and infant birth weight less than 2.5 kg correlated with an HIV-positive status for infant final outcomes. Conclusion The final HIV positivity rate of 2.8% is encouraging, but is not population-based. Nevertheless, supported by our findings, we recommend continued programmatic focus on early access to quality prenatal care and maternal ART for pregnant women, especially for women living with HIV in rural areas. Furthermore, implementation of nationwide sensitization and education on six-months’ exclusive infant breastfeeding with concurrent maternal ART should be strengthened and sustained to reduce MTCT rates.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.