Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa.
Afr J Reprod Health. 2022 May;26(5):41-49. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i5.4.
In Swaziland, the Ministry of Health adopted the prevention of mother-to-transmission (PMTCT) Option A as a feasible and less costly way to expand the PMTCT services nationwide. Despite major success since the programme started, some barriers, such as the challenge of follow-up care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant mothers still exist. The present study aimed to describe the challenges that HIV-positive pregnant mothers encountered on taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) in a health unit of the Manzini region, Swaziland. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design was used, and data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and field notes. Purposive sampling was used to select the study site and the population. Permission was requested from the participants to record the interviews. The study population were HIV-positive pregnant mothers, aged between 18 and 40 years, which were enrolled in the PMTCT B+ programme. The PMTCT B+ programme was perceived as preventing the transfer of HIV transmission from mother to child. It boosts the mother's immune system, prevents opportunistic infections and prolongs life. Challenges of taking ARVs emerged as a theme. The participants displayed knowledge and understanding of the programme, yet discrimination and no support from families and partners were mentioned.
在斯威士兰，卫生部采用预防母婴传播（PMTCT）方案 A，作为在全国范围内扩大 PMTCT 服务的可行且成本较低的方法。尽管该计划启动以来取得了重大成功，但仍存在一些障碍，例如艾滋病毒（HIV）阳性孕妇后续护理的挑战。本研究旨在描述斯威士兰曼齐尼地区一个卫生单位中 HIV 阳性孕妇在服用抗逆转录病毒药物（ARV）时遇到的挑战。采用定性、探索性和描述性研究设计，通过半结构化个人访谈和现场记录收集数据。采用目的抽样选择研究地点和人群。征得参与者同意记录访谈。研究人群为年龄在 18 至 40 岁之间、参加 PMTCT B+ 方案的 HIV 阳性孕妇。PMTCT B+ 方案被认为可预防 HIV 从母亲传播给孩子。它增强了母亲的免疫系统，预防机会性感染，延长了生命。服用 ARV 的挑战是一个主题。参与者对该方案表现出了知识和理解，但也提到了来自家庭和伴侣的歧视和不支持。
