Socio-Structural Factors Influencing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Systematic Review

Whembolua, Guy-Lucien S.; Muvuka, Baraka; Tshiswaka, Daudet Ilunga; Conserve, Donaldson F.

doi:10.1007/s10995-018-2688-6

Review Paper
Published: 02 January 2019

Socio-Structural Factors Influencing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Systematic Review

Guy-Lucien S. Whembolua¹,
Baraka Muvuka²,
Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka³ &
Donaldson F. Conserve⁴

Maternal and Child Health Journal volume 23, pages 880–889 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

Introduction The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had the second-highest mother-to-child HIV transmission rate in Sub-Saharan Africa at 29% in 2013, however the uptake of preventive services for mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) remains suboptimal. This systematic review explores socio-cultural and structural factors influencing PMTCT service uptake in the DRC. Methods We conducted a search of electronic databases. The PEN-3 model was used as a framework to synthesize factors influencing PMTCT service uptake into perceptions, enablers, and nurturers. Results Sixteen studies, 14 quantitative and two qualitative, were retained. Maternal, socio-economic, structural, and cultural factors were found to influence PMTCT service uptake in the DRC. Cost, accessibility, and quality of PMTCT services were key barriers to service uptake. Integration, male partner involvement, and evolving PMTCT policies improved PMTCT service delivery and uptake. This review also revealed several socio-cultural challenges in involving male partners in PMTCT programs. Discussion Findings highlight the need to address barriers and reinforce enablers of PMTCT uptake. Creating culturally appropriate, male-friendly, and family-oriented PMTCT programs will improve service uptake in the DRC.

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Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, 3605 French Hall West, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
Guy-Lucien S. Whembolua
Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 East Gray Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
Baraka Muvuka
Department of Public Health, University of West Florida, Building 38, Room 104, Pensacola, FL, USA
Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka
Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, Office #534 B, 915 Greene st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
Donaldson F. Conserve

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Guy-Lucien S. Whembolua
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Baraka Muvuka
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Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka
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Donaldson F. Conserve
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Correspondence to Guy-Lucien S. Whembolua.

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Whembolua, GL.S., Muvuka, B., Tshiswaka, D.I. et al. Socio-Structural Factors Influencing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Systematic Review. Matern Child Health J 23, 880–889 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2688-6

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Published: 02 January 2019
Issue Date: 15 July 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2688-6

Keywords

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)
PEN-3 model
Democratic Republic of Congo
Male partner involvement