Date of Award

Fall 11-29-2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

Abstract

Background: Rates of care retention and maintenance of viral suppression differ by location in the Unites States due the varying public health policies and infrastructures. As a result, it is imperative to determine the rates of retention and viral suppression as well as factors associated with these changes during the prenatal and postpartum period in the state of Georgia

Methods: Data on 161 HIV infected women was collected from birth certificate records and the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic as well as clinical variables and outcome variables of retention, viral suppression and care engagement during and after pregnancy.

Results: Women were more likely to be retained in care during pregnancy (79.50%) than during the postpartum period (55.28%). Women were also more likely to achieve viral suppression during pregnancy (68.94%) than during the postpartum period (49.69%). Approximately 43% of women engaged in HIV care within 90 days of giving birth. Women who were retained in HIV Care prior to pregnancy were more likely to be retained during pregnancy (95%) and the postpartum period (76%) than women diagnosed during pregnancy or not retained in care prior to pregnancy.

Conclusion: Women face a myriad of challenges that make retention and viral suppression difficult. It is important that we utilize technology to help improve treatment received in the postpartum period.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/9473509

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