Jerry John Nutor
Drexel University, USA
Title: Antiretroviral medication adherence intention among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zambia: The role of water hygiene and sanitation
Biography
Biography: Jerry John Nutor
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa despite increasing availability of free and subsidized antiretroviral treatment (ART) medication. MTCT can be significantly reduced provided pregnant and breastfeeding mothers adhere to prescribed regimens. Access to potable water and adequate sanitation declared as basic human rights by the United Nations, is a major problem in low-resource countries including Zambia, located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using the social-ecological model and the theory of planned behavior, we are investigating the influence of WASH on ART adherence intention among HIV positive pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in Option B+ ART regimen, the current World Health Organization recommendation for low resource countries. We will examine how urban vs. rural residence modifies ART adherence intention overall and in relation to WASH, since access to WASH and other resources varies greatly by residence location. We are recruiting a total of 150 pregnant or breastfeeding HIV positive women who are taking antiretroviral medications and reside in either the Lusaka (urban) or Sinazongwe (rural) districts of Zambia. Participants are being asked about WASH situations in their homes and communities and their intention of adhering to ART. We are also collecting information about the women’s beliefs, attitudes and norms surrounding ART adherence intention. We will use descriptive and inferential statistics to examine associations between WASH and ART adherence intentions. Knowledge gained will be used to design culturally and setting appropriate WASH educational intervention programs.