Trends and Factors Influencing Uptake of the HIV-exposed Infants’ Continuum of Care in a Humanitarian Setting: A Retrospective Analysis

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 PhD Student, Nursing Program Manager, Center of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Global Health Equity, Nigeria

2 Medical Director, AIDs Healthcare Foundation, Nigeria

3 Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gyneacology College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

10.22038/jmrh.2025.75815.2233

Abstract

Background & aim: Effective follow-up of mother-infant care is key to achieving the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) goals, yet service uptake gaps persist, risking HIV transmission to infants. This study aimed to assess the trends and factors influencing the uptake of the HIV-exposed infants’ continuum of care in a clinic based in a humanitarian setting.
Methods: A retrospective census analysis was conducted using all available records of 163 HIV-exposed infants seen between February 2019 and February 2021 at the Family Support Clinic in Daudu, Benue State, Nigeria. Maternal and exposed infant characteristics, service uptake, and outcomes were assessed using a checklist informed by literature and guideline reviews. Child follow-up outcomes were further divided into those discharged or not discharged from the PMTCT program. Data was analyzed using chi-square statistics and logistic regression with SPSS version 26.
Results: Most mothers (71.2%) were aged 30 years or below, 62.6% had prior PMTCT experience, with only 6.7% reporting facility-based delivery. Service use decreased as infants matured, and PCR tests were performed on 66.6% of the infants before they reached 2 months of age. Only 1.2% were reported to be dead. Before maternal experience with PMTCT, significantly influencing the infants’ outcomes, whereas maternal age between 26 and 30 years, early initiation of Cotrimoxazole, and the number of follow-up visits influenced infant discharge from care.
Conclusion: We recommend further studies investigating the decreasing use of PMTCT-exposed infant services as the infants mature. Interventions targeted at increasing the number of follow-up visits can help to increase PMTCT service uptake.

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 5192-5202

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