Health and social outcomes of HIV‐vulnerable and HIV‐positive pregnant and post‐partum adolescents and infants enrolled in a home visiting team programme in Kenya

• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13568
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04T17:54:55Z
• Authors: Marcy Levy; Malia Duffy; Jennifer Pearson; Job Akuno; Samuel Oduong; Aida Yemaneberhan; Alexandra Coombs; Nicole Davis; Isabella Yonga; Rose Kerubo Mokaya
• Keywords: Post partum

Abstract Objectives HIV‐positive and HIV‐vulnerable pregnant adolescent girls mothers face significant barriers vulnerabilities. Infants born to are also more likely die be exposed life‐threatening conditions. This paper presents findings from an evaluation of a programme that used home visitation model offered case‐management, team‐focused approach increase family community supportiveness enhance health social service uptake among in Kenya. Methods The study quasi‐experimental design with before after comparisons non‐randomised population examine the effectiveness bi‐monthly household visits 384 enrolled girls, (ages 10–19) their infants (0–24 months) between March 2018 February 2019 three counties Results During programme, support increased 57% 85%, while 100% eligible participants were on ART virally suppressed (total 20 adolescents). Nearly all (94%) delivered under skilled care vs. 78% those who post‐partum at time enrolment ( P < 0.001); 17 infants) had up‐to‐date PCR test no seroconversions. Uptake modern planning 39% baseline 64% end line 0.001). referral rate declined 84% low referrals for mental services (17.3%). Conclusions A combined efforts reduce stigma households can help address critical socio‐cultural behavioural accessing using services.