PREVIEW

Depression, retention in care, and uptake of PMTCT service in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo: a prospective cohort

November 14, 2016
Authors: Kelly A. Yotebieng, Kunuwo Fokong, and Marcel Yotebieng
Organization: AIDS Care

Based on the hypothesis that poor mental health may affect adherence to HIV treatment in newly diagnosed mothers, this study assessed the association between prenatal depression and loss-to-follow-up and uptake of PMTCT services.  At enrollment, 11.8% of study participants reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression.  The study indicated that prenatal depression assessed was not a strong predictor of loss-to-follow-up among newly diagnosed HIV-infected women in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo.