Open AccessRetention in HIV Care among Children Aged 0-14 Years and the Associated Family and Caregiver Factors in Embu County, Kenya
Author(s) -
Eliza Kathure Ikiara,
George O. Orinda,
Joseph Thigiti
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of health sciences and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2249-9571
DOI - 10.52403/ijhsr.20210740
Subject(s) - medicine , denial , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , demography , pediatrics , family medicine , psychology , sociology , psychoanalysis
Background: Retention of children in HIV care is influenced by a number of factors, among them family and caregiver factors.Objective: To determine the family and caregiver factors associated with retention in care.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study in level 4 and 5 hospitals in Embu county. Data were collected through interviews using a predesigned questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was performed.Results: We enrolled 238 participants between January and April 2018, comprising 143 males (50.5%) and 140 females (49.5%). The median age of the participants was 12 years (IQR 5). Two thirds of the minors were in primary school (192, 67.8%). More of the children’s mothers were HIV positive compared to the fathers (257 vs 99) though a greater number of the fathers had an unknown HIV status compared to the mothers (138 vs 21). Most minors (241, 85.2%) were retained in care throughout having never missed an appointment. The number of siblings alive (aOR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.92), siblings with HIV (aOR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.68), a HIV positive caregiver (aOR 5.48, 95% CI: 2.44, 12.97), stigma (aOR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.77), work duties of the caregiver (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13, 0.58) and denial of HIV status by the caregiver (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02, 0.47) were all associated with retention in HIV care.Conclusion: A HIV positive caregiver was most likely to ensure a child is retained in care. Stigma and denial of HIV status still hinder retention.Key words: Retention, HIV, children, caregiver.