Original Research

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service interruptions amid COVID-19 pandemic

Florence M.Q. Setshedi, Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo
South African Family Practice | Vol 66, No 1 : Part 2| a5899 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5899 | © 2024 Florence M.Q. Setshedi, Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 January 2024 | Published: 13 May 2024

About the author(s)

Florence M.Q. Setshedi, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Healthcare Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Livhuwani Tshivhase, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Idah Moyo, Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; and Department of HIV Services, Populations Solutions for Health, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused global disruptions in healthcare service delivery. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) services were also interrupted, threatening the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3. This article describes the PMTCT service interruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane healthcare facilities.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare providers offering PMTCT services during COVID-19 in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, and Colaizzi’s data analysis steps were followed in analysing the findings.

Results: Participants reported interruptions in PMTCT service delivery during the pandemic. Non-adherence to scheduled visits resulted in patients defaulting or not adhering to treatment regimens, high viral loads and mother–infant pairs’ loss to follow-up. Other features of service disruption included late antenatal bookings, low client flow and delays in conducting deoxyribonucleic acid-polymerase chain reaction (DNA-PCR) testing in HIV-exposed babies. In addition, staff shortages occurred because of re-assignments to COVID-19-related activities. Study participants were psychologically affected by the fear of contracting COVID-19 and worked in a frustrating and stressful environment.

Conclusion: Improved community-based follow-up services are critical to enhance PMTCT service outcomes and prevent infant HIV infections.

Contribution: The findings may influence policymakers in developing strategies to curb HIV infections among mothers and children during pandemics.


Keywords

COVID-19; descriptive phenomenology; HIV; interruptions; PMTCT services.

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics

Total abstract views: 1022
Total article views: 735


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.