Factors associated with uptake of second polymerase chain reaction among HIV exposed infants in Kisenyi H/C IV: Kampala District

Abstract

Introduction: Uptake of 2nd PCR has been identified as a key obstacle to the diagnosis of HIV transmission among HIV Exposed Infants during breastfeeding, early access to HIV treatment, and linkage to care. Because uptake levels are low among HEIs aged 9 months, therefore this study aimed to assess the factors affecting uptake of 2nd PCR among HIV Exposed Infants in Kisenyi HC IV, Kampala District. Methods: A cross-sectional study where interviewers administered questionnaires and data abstraction forms were used to collect data from 263 HIV exposed infants aged 9months or older attending EID clinic in Kisenyi HC IV enrolled consecutively. Data were checked for completeness, entered into SPSS, cleaned, and analyzed. Univariate analysis was done using descriptive statistics while bivariate analysis was by binary logistic regression. Lastly, binary logistic regression was conducted to assess factors affecting the uptake of 2nd PCR. Statistical significance was predicted by a p-value of less than 0.05, the strength of association was measured using odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. Findings are presented as texts, tables, and charts Results: Only one in ten (10.4%) of the HEI in this study had their PCR samples taken at 9 months or earlier. After controlling for confounding variables, missing appointments in the past 3-6 months and HEI mother’s time since HIV diagnosis was significantly associated with uptake of 2nd PCR at 9 months or earlier (aOR 2.427 and 2.291) respectively. Conclusions and recommendations The uptake of second PCR at 9 months or earlier in this study was very low and was significantly associated with missing appointments in the past 3-6 months and HEI mother’s time since HIV diagnosis. More than half of the HEI had missed appointments in the last 3-6 months. This indicates the need to strengthens health education concerning the importance of the 2nd DNA PCR test and the appropriate age recommended by the ministry of health for the DNA PCR testing.