A retrospective analysis of maternal and pregnancy outcomes following PMTCT maternal cohort registration in a displaced setting.:

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the maternal and pregnancy outcomes following PMTCT cohort registration.

Design: A retrospective analysis of HIV-positive pregnant women’s outcomes following enrollment in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) maternal cohort register between January 2019 and December 2021 in FSP Daudu.

Method: Using a checklist, data was collected from the folders and PMTCT maternal cohort register. Measures of interest included sociodemographic characteristics, maternal outcomes, and pregnancy outcomes.

 Findings: Of 223 identified HIV-positive pregnant women, 201 were enrolled in the program. However, only 189 maternal records met the inclusion criteria. Entry into the PMTCT program was mainly during the antenatal period, between 26 and 30 years of age with a mean gestational age of 15.2 weeks. Only 5.9% of the women reported facility delivery, and up to 70% had over 4 PMTCT follow-up visits before delivery (χ2 = 6.825, P = 0.03). The Retention rate among the cohort was 98.4%, with 62% of the women being active throughout the program and over 86% having a live birth. Bivariate analysis suggested that aside from maternal age, similar factors affected maternal and pregnancy outcomes. 

Conclusions The active involvement and engagement of an HIV-positive pregnant woman in care can improve their health outcomes in times of displacement.

Clinical evidence: Active follow-up and documentation constitute an effective strategy to improve PMTCT maternal retention in care and improve maternal outcomes. Further support by engaging community health workers in service delivery will create positive outcomes in the PMTCT program.

Keywords: PMTCT, HIV/AIDs, Maternal health, Pregnancy.