Submission ID 131532
| Issue/Objective | HIV-positive young mothers face multiple vulnerabilities due to HIV and early motherhood. In Cameroon, although many engage with healthcare services, their broader HIV and SRH needs remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the HIV and SRH needs of HIV-positive young mothers compared to other AGYW aged 10 to 24 years, inclusive. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We employed a multi-method approach. First, routine data from 15 health facilities in the Northwest, Southwest and Littoral regions of Cameroon. Secondly, a cross-sectional quantitative survey in the same health facilities with HIV-negative and positive girls of the target age. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were performed to compare identified disparities in HIV outcomes, access, knowledge, and health-seeking behaviour. |
| Results | Routine data included 1625 participants, and 10% were HIV-positive young mothers. Overall, 95% of participants were actively on treatment; however, only 76% had a suppressed viral load. The proportion of viral suppression was slightly higher (77%) among HIV-positive mothers versus 75% in HIV-positive non-mothers, though this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, we surveyed 502 participants, and 59 (11.8%) were HIV-positive young mothers. In the multivariate analysis, compared to HIV-positive non-mothers, HIV-positive mothers had higher odds of belonging to the age groups 15 to 19 years; OR(95%CI): 3.77(1.07-13.18), p=0.073 and 20 to 24 years; OR(95%CI): 19.56 (6.13-62.43), p=0.000. HIV-positive mothers also had higher odds of being single compared to HIV-negative mothers OR (95%CI): 2.33 (1.15-4.71), p=0.018. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of participants' perceived access to care and knowledge of SRH and HIV; however, compared to HIV-negative non-mothers, HIV-positive mothers were less likely to use contraception (adjusted RRR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.75; p=0.015) ) and felt very uncomfortable talking about HIV (adjusted RRR: 4.48; 95% CI: 1.17-17.03; p=0.028). In terms of health-seeking behaviours, HIV-positive mothers reported higher frequencies of regular medical checkups compared to HIV-negative mothers (OR:13.03; 95%CI: 3.69-42.72). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | HIV-positive young mothers in Cameroon have a positive attitude towards seeking health and appear to be retained in care. However, they still need support with viral suppression and access to essential SRH services, particularly contraception and support navigating stigma related to HIV and single motherhood. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Rose Mary Tazinya University of Ottawa Rose Mary Tazinya University of Ottawa Angel Foster University of Ottawa |
