Outcome Evaluation of Mother mentor’s intervention on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Up-taking Option B+ in Morogoro Municipal Council, Tanzania

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Globally more than 90% of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in children under 15 are due to vertical transmission. The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program, using Option B+, is critical in preventing this, with antiretroviral therapy adherence being pivotal for success. Conversely, adherence among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is low. Mother mentors aim to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence in this group within the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program. This study evaluated the outcome of Mother Mentor intervention on antiretroviral therapy adherence among clients up-taking Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Morogoro Municipal Council, using a mother mentors intervention. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study focusing on summative evaluation determined the outcome of mother mentors intervention on antiretroviral therapy adherence among clients in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program. Data from 213 pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV, ≥ 16 years, visiting their clinic at control and intervention facilities were collected with a 100% response rate. Intervention facilities received the MMs program. Participants were selected through multistage sampling. Antiretroviral therapy adherence categorized as good or poor, was measured by self-report and viral load methods. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15 for bivariate and multivariate analysis to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Results 73.8% and 74.2% of participants had good antiretroviral therapy adherence by self-report and viral load measurement, respectively. Intervention facilities were strongly associated with good adherence compared to control facilities (AOR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.18-6.00, p = 0.018). Surprisingly, longer distance to the healthcare facility was associated with good adherence measured by viral load (AOR 3.35, 95% CI: 1.32–8.48, p = 0.011). Conclusions Optimal adherence of ≥ 95% wasn’t achieved. The significant mother mentors intervention impact on antiretroviral therapy adherence highlights the importance of psychosocial and educational sessions in improving health outcomes by mother mentors for this cohort.