This study examined the impact of fetal or infant loss on HIV care engagement. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 HIV-infected women who experienced fetal or infant loss while enrolled in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in Tanzania. Women attributed the loss to delays in receiving healthcare. Provider communication about the cause of the loss was poor, and women reported substantial distress related to the loss. One-fifth reported gaps in HIV care or disengagement from care following their loss. Loss of a fetus or infant is not uncommon in HIV endemic settings, and should be integrated into PMTCT guidelines.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- hiv infected
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- primary care
- mental health
- antiretroviral therapy
- pregnancy outcomes
- palliative care
- pregnant women
- human immunodeficiency virus
- adipose tissue
- skeletal muscle
- chronic pain
- breast cancer risk
- metabolic syndrome
- hiv positive
- south africa
- hepatitis c virus
- cervical cancer screening
- hiv aids
- social media
- pain management
- insulin resistance
- health information
- affordable care act