Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Sep 2015)

Health Outcomes of Infants in a PMTCT Program in Kinshasa

  • John Ditekemena MD, MPH,
  • Richard Matendo MD, MSc,
  • Robert Colebunders MD, PhD,
  • Olivier Koole MD, MPH,
  • Gabrielle Bielen MSc,
  • Michel Nkuna MD, MPH,
  • Cyril Engmann MD,
  • Antoinette Tshefu MD, PhD,
  • Robert Ryder MD,

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2325957413516495
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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Effective follow-up of mother–infant pairs is critical for ensuring the success of preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with health outcomes of exposed infants in a PMTCT program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data were collected from January 2005 through December 2008 in 2 maternities in Kinshasa, DRC. The exposed infant’s health status was used as outcome. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the determinants of infant outcomes. A total of 309 mother–infant pairs were included in this study. Younger maternal age, breast-feeding but weaning before the age of 6 months, and HIV testing of the child and a mother who is not sick were associated with better infant health outcome. The follow-up of mother–infant pairs in PMTCT programs remains critical and challenging. There is a need for innovative and efficient strategies to improve retention of mother–infant pairs in PMTCT programs.