Position du problème: <p>La majorité des enfants contaminés par le VIH se retrouve dans les pays en développement. Pour prévenir la transmission verticale les femmes doivent d’abord connaître leur statut sérologique au VIH. En République Démocratique du Congo, le problème posé par la transmission mère-enfant est préoccupant. Pour lutter contre cette transmission verticale, la Prévention de la Transmission du VIH de la Mère à l’Enfant (PTME) est intégrée dans le paquet minimum d’activités de la CPN. Comme dans d’autres pays, la couverture reste toujours insuffisante.<p>Objectifs :<p>Spécifiquement ce travail visait à :(1) déterminer la proportion des femmes qui n’ont pas fait l’objet du dépistage du VIH parmi les accouchées des maternités de Lubumbashi ;(2) évaluer le niveau de connaissance du personnel travaillant dans des maternités en matière des recommandations de la PTME à Lubumbashi ;(3) déterminer l’acceptabilité du dépistage rapide du VIH en salle de travail ;(4) Mettre sur pieds une stratégie pouvant contribuer à atteindre une couverture opérationnelle optimale de la PTME dans des contextes similaires à la ville de Lubumbashi.<p>Méthodologie:<p>C’est une approche de recherche-action réalisée au niveau du système de santé, des prestataires de soins, parturientes et accouchées dans les maternités de Lubumbashi. Pour ce faire deux études transversales et une intervention ont été réalisées à partir d’avril 2010 à février 2011 :les études transversales ont permis de déterminer la proportion des accouchées avec du statut sérologique VIH inconnu et d’évaluer le niveau de Connaissances, Attitudes et Pratiques (Niveau de CAP) des prestataires de soins de salles de travail face aux recommandations de la PTME. L’intervention a consisté à faire le dépistage rapide du VIH chez les parturientes admises en salles de travail.<p>Résultats: <p>Parmi les accouchées, 52,5 % ignoraient leur statut sérologique. Parmi elles, 62,9 % accepteraient de faire le test VIH à la maternité. La proportion des femmes avec un statut sérologique inconnu au VIH était significativement plus élevée chez celles qui n’avaient pas suivi de CPN (Odds Ratio ajusté [ORa] = 5,8; Intervalle de Confiance [IC] 95 % :1,7-19,0) et chez celles qui avaient un bas niveau d’instruction (ORa = 1,5 ;IC 95% :1,1-2,1).<p>Le niveau de CAP de la PTME des prestataires des maternités à Lubumbashi etait suffisant dans seulement 8,5 % des cas. La proportion de prestataires avec un niveau CAP suffisant était significativement plus élevée chez les universitaires que chez les non universitaires (ORa = 8,6; Intervalle de Confiance [IC] 95 % :1,6-47,5) et dans les maternités où la PTME était intégrée (OR = 4,5 ;IC 95 % :1,3-18,4).<p>Sur 474 parturientes, 433 (91,4 % ;IC 95 % :88,4-93,7 %) ont bénéficié d’un dépistage du VIH en salle de travail après counseling. La prévalence du VIH chez les parturientes examinées était de 4,8 %. L’acceptabilité du dépistage rapide du VIH était significativement plus élevée lorsque la durée du counseling était inferieure ou égale à 5 minutes (ORa = 5,8 ;IC 95 % :2,6-13); chez les parturientes qui avaient déclaré ne pas avoir l’objet de dépistage aux CPN (ORa = 3,8 ;IC 95 % :2-7,8) et chez celles qui étaient en début de travail d’accouchement (ORa = 2,3 ;IC 95 % :1,2-4,7). <p>Conclusion :<p>La proportion de femmes qui accouchent sans connaître leur statut sérologique au VIH est encore importante, malgré le fait que le dépistage du VIH soit proposé lors des CPN. C’est un besoin non couvert et une deuxième opportunité manquée. Etant donné qu’il existe à Lubumbashi des structures sanitaires offrant le service de PTME, nous proposons l’approche opt out du dépistage rapide du VIH en salle de travail pour cette catégorie de femmes. Cette stratégie contribuerait à optimiser la couverture opérationnelle du service au moindre coût.<p> <p>Background:<p>The majority of children infected with HIV are found in developing countries. To prevent vertical transmission women must first know their HIV status. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the problem of mother to child transmission is a concern. To fight against vertical transmission, national policy has included the Prevention of HIV Transmission from Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) in the package of activities of the Antenatal care. As in other countries, coverage is still insufficient.<p>Objective:<p>Specifically this study aims to: (1) determine the proportion of women who did not receive HIV testing among women who gave birth in maternity units in Lubumbashi, (2) assess the level of knowledge of staff working in maternity units in the recommendations of PMTCT in Lubumbashi, (3) determine the acceptability of rapid HIV testing in the labor room, (4) develop a strategy to improve the operational coverage of PMTCT in similar contexts to the city of Lubumbashi.<p>Methods:<p>This is an approach to action research conducted at the health system, care providers and parturients and women gave birth in maternity birth in the maternity Lubumbashi. To get two successive cross-sectional studies and intervention was conducted from April 2010 to the end of February 2011: cross-sectional studies have determined the proportion and determinants of birth with unknown HIV status and to evaluate the Level of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP level) providers care delivery room in the PMTCT recommendations.<p>The intervention consisted in the rapid HIV testing in parturient admitted to labor wards.<p><p>Results:<p>The analyses of our results showed that among mothers, 52.5% were unaware of their HIV status. Among them, 62.9 % would be tested for HIV to motherhood. The proportion of women with unknown HIV status to HIV was significantly higher in those who had not attended ANC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.8, Confidence Interval [CI] 95%: 1.7 - 19) and among those with a low education (aOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.1).<p>The level of CAP PMTCT providers of maternity was sufficient to Lubumbashi in only 8.5% of cases. The proportion of claimants with a sufficient level CAP was significantly higher among academics than among non-academic (aOR = 8.6, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.6 to 47.5) and in maternity wards where PMTCT was integrated (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3 to 18.4).<p>Among 474 parturients, 433 (91.4% confidence interval [CI] 95%: 88.4 to 93.7%) were voluntary testing for HIV in the labor ward after counseling. HIV prevalence among parturients examined was 4.8%.The acceptability of rapid HIV testing was significantly higher when the duration of counseling was less than or equal to 5 minutes (aOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 2.6 to 13) in parturients who reported not doing this testing for EIC (aOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2 to 7.8) and among those who were in early labor delivery (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2 - 4.7). By cons, it was lower among adolescents than among adults (aOR = 0.1; [CI] 95%: 0.0-0.7).<p>Conclusion:<p>The proportion of women who give birth without knowing their HIV status is still important, despite the fact that HIV testing be made available when the antenatal care. This is an unmet need and would be a missed opportunity. Since there Lubumbashi health facilities offering PMTCT service, we offer the opt-out approach of rapid HIV testing in the labor ward for such women, to optimize coverage of operational service at the lowest cost.<p> <p> <p><p> / Doctorat en Santé Publique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

L’annonce des résultats du diagnostic d’une maladie grave est toujours un moment difficile à vivre pour le patient et, dans une moindre mesure, pour le médecin. Lorsqu’il s’agit du VIH/SIDA, la difficulté est d’autant plus importante que bien souvent, cette maladie véhicule honte et culpabilité avec risque de stigmatisation de la personne séropositive. Chez les femmes enceintes burundaises, cette situation est encore plus préoccupante. Des barrières liées au contexte socio-culturel les poussent à des conduites d’évitement du test du VIH, alors que le dépistage constitue une porte d’entrée pour les soins de prévention de la transmission du VIH de la mère à l’enfant. <p><p>L’objectif de cette thèse était de comprendre l’état psychologique des femmes enceintes lors du dépistage du VIH dans les services de Prévention de la Transmission Mère-Enfant (PTME) du VIH à Bujumbura. Cette compréhension permettrait d’optimiser la prise en charge psychologique de ces femmes enceintes au moment du dépistage du VIH et de mettre en place un accompagnement psychosocial dans leur milieu de vie. De façon spécifique, ce travail visait à :(1) analyser le contenu verbal des entretiens de conseils pré et post-test tels qu’ils sont faits dans les services de PTME, et de les comparer avec les normes proposées en la matière par l’OMS ;(2) évaluer l’anxiété chez les femmes enceintes à différents moments du dépistage du VIH; (3) analyser les raisons du refus du dépistage et du renoncement aux soins par les femmes enceintes séropositives à VIH. <p><p>La recherche a été réalisée principalement auprès des femmes enceintes rencontrées dans les services de consultation prénatale à Bujumbura, capitale du Burundi. Les outils de récolte des données étaient des entretiens conseillers-femmes enceintes au cours des activités de dépistage, les échelles d’évaluation de l’anxiété (HADS et STAI), des questionnaires de rétention/impact de l’information, des focus groups et un récit de vie. Ces outils nous ont permis de recueillir des données que nous avons traitées qualitativement par analyse de contenu et quantitativement par des analyses statistiques avec le logiciel SPSS.<p><p>Les résultats sont présentés dans cinq études. Notre première étude a montré que l’adaptation locale du schéma proposé par l’OMS pour les conseils pré et post-test en dépistage prénatal du VIH est une nécessité. Cela permettrait aux conseillers de mieux communiquer avec les femmes enceintes. Les trois autres études portant sur l’évaluation de l’anxiété ont montré que les besoins psychologiques des femmes enceintes au cours du dépistage du VIH devraient être reconnus et pris en compte. La détection de l’anxiété devrait être systématique afin de commencer une prise en charge psychologique dès le début du processus de dépistage et ainsi aller au devant des conduites d’évitement. La cinquième et dernière étude a montré que la stigmatisation et ses conséquences seraient à la base du refus du dépistage du VIH et du traitement en cas de séropositivité. Dès lors, le suivi médical doit être associé à un suivi psychologique pour réaliser une prise en charge intégrée des femmes enceintes dans les services de PTME. En continuité avec cette prise en charge au niveau des structures de santé, des stratégies d’accompagnement psychosocial adéquates devraient être planifiées au niveau des communautés. En outre, nous recommandons des études visant les problématiques psychologiques et sociales liées au VIH/SIDA chez la femme enceinte au Burundi. <p><p>Abstract:The announcement of the diagnosis of a serious illness is always a difficult experience for the patient and to a lesser extent, to the doctor. When it comes to HIV / AIDS, the challenge is even more important that in many cases, this disease vehicle with shame, guilt and risk of stigmatization of HIV-positive person. For pregnant women in Burundi, the situation is even more worrying. Socio-cultural barriers cause avoidance of HIV testing, while the screening is a gateway to care for the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child.<p><p>The objective of this thesis was to understand the psychological state of pregnant women in HIV testing services in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Bujumbura. This understanding would maximize the psychological care of pregnant women at the time of HIV testing and to develop psychosocial support in their living environment. Specifically, this work aimed to: (1) analyzing the verbal content of counseling interviews pre and post-test as they are made in PMTCT services, and compare them with the proposed standards in this area by WHO, (2) assess anxiety in pregnant women at different stages of HIV testing, (3) analyze the reasons for refusal of screening and seeking care for pregnant HIV-positive.<p><p>The research was conducted mainly among pregnant women encountered in antenatal clinics in Bujumbura, Burundi's capital. Tools for data collection were interviews between counselors and pregnant women during routine screening, rating scales of anxiety (HADS and STAI), questionnaires of retention / impact of information, focus groups and a life story. These tools have allowed us to collect data that we have treated qualitatively by content analysis and quantitatively by statistical analysis using SPSS.<p><p>The results are presented in five studies. Our first study showed that local adaptation of the scheme proposed by the WHO for counseling pre and post-test in antenatal HIV testing is a necessity. This would allow counselors to better communicate with pregnant women. The other three studies of anxiety assessment showed that the psychological needs of pregnant women in HIV testing should be recognized and taken into account. Anxiety screening should be systematic to begin psychological support early in the process of HIV testing. The fifth and final study showed that stigma and its consequences would be the causes for refusal of HIV testing and treatment in HIV positive cases. Therefore, medical care should be combined with psychological support to achieve an optimal management of pregnant women in PMTCT services. In continuity with this support in the structures of health, psychosocial support strategies should be planned at the community level. In addition, we recommend studies related to psychological and social issues of HIV / AIDS among pregnant women in Burundi.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences Psychologiques et de l'éducation / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.

PhD (Health Sciences) / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / Background: Family-centred approaches to Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) interventions present an important direction for sustainability and prevention of pediatric infections while improving overall family health. Despite numerous opportunities to sustain and expand the existing PMTCT interventions, Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) still occurs. This is evidenced by the number of under-five children who are admitted in hospital being infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) between the ages of 6 weeks to 18 months, whereas the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results was non-reactive at six weeks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to enhance family-centered interventions for PMTCT sustainability in the selected districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Phase 1: The study was conducted in phases. In Phase 1, which was empirical, the following objectives: to explore the risks that contribute to MTCT between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 months; to explore the perceptions of family members regarding family support in PMTCT interventions; and to explore the factors that affect the provision of family support in PMTCT interventions. Phase 2: was development of the strategy and validation of the strategy. Methods: The exploratory sequential mixed method was used to conduct the study, where qualitative data were collected and analyzed first; followed by collecting, analyzing and interpreting the quantitative data. The population comprised the following groups: mothers of babies between 6 weeks and 18 months who are living with HIV/AIDS, family members were represented by male partners, grandmothers or mother’s in_-law and health care professionals working at the PHC Heath Centers v or clinics rendering PMTCT services. In the qualitative design, participants were selected by non-probability purposive sampling and data were collected through one-to-one interview and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed utilizing the open-coding method. In the quantitative design, participants were selected by using simple random sampling and data were collected by means of self-administered survey questionnaires with structured close-and open-ended questions. The population were midwives from Capricorn, Mopani and Vhembe districts PHC clinic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 22 and descriptive statistics. In Phase 2, findings from the data were used to develop an intervention strategy. The strategy was developed through the use of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The developed strategy was validated by using a quantitative design. / NRF

This study sought to determine if ANC and PMTCT services are utilized within the first trimester of pregnancy by the women in East Ekurhuleni sub-district. Quantitative descriptive research was conducted on 390 eligible pregnant women and data collection was done using structured questionnaires. The results indicated that women start ANC late despite their knowledge of first trimester as the best time to start ANC. Actions that would motivate them to start ANC early were explored and barriers were identified. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with the HIV transmission rate in 18 to 24 month-old children enrolled in the PMTCT programme at two selected City of Tshwane clinics. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV during labour and breastfeeding accounts for 40% of all HIV infection in children. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme is one effective strategy to reduce the rate of HIV infection in children. The HIV transmission rate was low at six weeks of age but increases at 18 to 24 months of age due to several factors. The researcher selected a descriptive retrospective correlational research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 60 mothers of children aged 18 to 24 months on the PMTCT programme and a data-collection form to collect data from 152 clinic records of children of the same age on the programme. The study found that the PMTCT guidelines were not properly adhered to by the nurses and the respondents. Prophylactic treatment was not provided as required and mixed feeding was prominent. The uptake of HIV test at 18 to 24 months was low compared to at 6 weeks. The transmission rate was high at 18 to 24 months compared to at 6 weeks. No factors were associated with the transmission rate / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Antiretroviral therapy is an important public health strategy to reduce the risk of HIV vertical transmission. Implementation of such therapy depends on the identification of HIV-infected pregnant women. This study investigated how the biographical characteristics of the pregnant women (16-45 years) influenced their health decision-making in Bulawayo clinics. The study was guided by the theories of health behaviour. The study assumed that the respondents’ demographic characteristics will influence their attitudes towards PMTCT programme. Using a structured questionnaire, forty pregnant women who visited the Bulawayo clinics to have prenatal checkups were interviewed. The majority of respondents came from a poor, high-density township. Most of the respondents were married, but about a third were not married at the time data collection and 5% were separated. The survey items were demographic characteristics, knowledge of PMTCT, HIV risk perceptions and service utilisation. The levels of literacy among the respondents were high; more than 80% had completed primary education. Overall the respondents’ demographic characteristics influenced their attitudes towards PMTCT. Majority of the women knew that a mother with HIV can pass the virus to her child, during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. The pregnant women’s health-seeking behaviour and their attitudes toward reproductive health services are influenced by their demographic situation. / Health Studies / (M.A. (Social Behavior Studies in HIV/AIDS))

Antiretroviral therapy is an important public health strategy to reduce the risk of HIV vertical transmission. Implementation of such therapy depends on the identification of HIV-infected pregnant women. This study investigated how the biographical characteristics of the pregnant women (16-45 years) influenced their health decision-making in Bulawayo clinics. The study was guided by the theories of health behaviour. The study assumed that the respondents’ demographic characteristics will influence their attitudes towards PMTCT programme. Using a structured questionnaire, forty pregnant women who visited the Bulawayo clinics to have prenatal checkups were interviewed. The majority of respondents came from a poor, high-density township. Most of the respondents were married, but about a third were not married at the time data collection and 5% were separated. The survey items were demographic characteristics, knowledge of PMTCT, HIV risk perceptions and service utilisation. The levels of literacy among the respondents were high; more than 80% had completed primary education. Overall the respondents’ demographic characteristics influenced their attitudes towards PMTCT. Majority of the women knew that a mother with HIV can pass the virus to her child, during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. The pregnant women’s health-seeking behaviour and their attitudes toward reproductive health services are influenced by their demographic situation. / Health Studies / (M.A. (Social Behavior Studies in HIV/AIDS))

Social Work / M. A. (Social Science)

Social Work / M. A. (Social Science)