Factors Influencing the Utilization of Anti-Retroviral Drugs by HIV Positive Pregnant Women in Busia District, Busia County

Ntiretroviral drugs reduce viral replication in pregnant women either by lowering plasma viral load or through postexposure prophylaxis in their new born. Mother to child transmission is the predominant mode of transmission of HIV in infants and young children. This transmission occurs during pregnancy, labour and delivery and breastfeeding. Providing all HIV positive pregnant women with lifelong ARVs regardless of CD4 count/disease stage is an effective strategy to avert MTCT of HIV. Eliminating vertical transmissions globally is still a challenge. In Busia district, the uptake of antiretroviral drugs by HIV positive pregnant women is about 41%. Despite the varied interventions employed to avert MTCT a number of exposed babies have been seroconversion. Objective: Factors influencing utilization of ARVs by HIV positive pregnant women. Methods: Cross sectional study was done through Purposive and random sampling. The study area and the HIV positive pregnant women were purposively selected. Quantitative approach was employed using standardized questionnaires. Exploratory data analysis was preceded by monovariate analysis. Results were summarized using tables and text. The quantitative data was analyzed by Statistics package of social science. Results: Percentage (30.6%) of women started ARVs in the 3rd trimester. Percentage (37.4%) hides while taking the drugs due to self-stigma and fear of husband. Percentage 57.9% took freely. Half of those who were not on ARVs indicated they were afraid of their husbands while the other half were not willing to take the ARVs. Conclusion: We found out 85% of the women had their first antenatal care visit in the second trimester while (30.6%) started ARVs in the 3rd trimester. ARVs taken for more than 17 weeks reduces the risk of MTCT. Disclosure of HIV status of pregnant women is essential. Male participation in antenatal care, treatment, counselling and testing for HIV, will increase use of interventions for eMTCT.