Abstract

Background: Option B+ Prevention of Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) is a global provider of antiretroviral therapy to pregnant and lactating women infected with HIV without eligibility criteria.

Objective: To determine the level of adherence and factors associated to Option B+ PMTCT among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 233 HIV-infected pregnant and lactating women who had been enrolled in PMTCT follow-up units in Jigjiga Hospitals. The sample size was calculated using a single-population proportion formula. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the frequency and percentages of participants’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with adherence to option B+ PMTCT drugs.

Results: The overall level of adherence to option B+ during pregnancy and breastfeeding was 73.4%. Pregnant and lactating women who had partner support [Adjusted Odd Ration (AOR) = 7.36, 95% CI (2.89, 18.71)] and initiated PMTCT service at the time of diagnosis [AOR = 2.75, 95% CI (1.01, 7.46)] were more likely adhered to the service than their comparators. Similarly, achieving higher educational level [AOR = 10.50, 95% CI (1.82, 60.76)] and five or more frequent antenatal care follow-ups [AOR = 5.71, 95% CI (1.15, 28.45)] were positively associated with good adherence.

Conclusion: In this study, the level of adherence to option B+ PMTCT service was less than the recommended adherence level to prevent vertical transmission.