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Objective HIV-positive pregnant women are at heightened risk of becoming lost to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV care. We examined LTFU before and after delivery among pregnant women newly-diagnosed with HIV. Methods Observational cohort study of all pregnant women ≥18 years (N=300) testing HIV-positive for the first time at their first ANC visit between January–June 2010, at a primary healthcare clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. Women (n=27) whose delivery date could not be determined were excluded. Results Median (IQR) gestation at HIV testing was 26 weeks (21–30). 98.0% received AZT prophylaxis, usually started at the first ANC visit. Of 139 (51.3%) patients who were ART-eligible, 66.9% (95%CI 58.8–74.3%) initiated ART prior to delivery; median (IQR) ART duration pre-delivery was 9.5 weeks (5.1–14.2). Among ART-eligible patients, 40.5% (32.3–49.0%) were cumulatively retained through six months on ART. Of those ART-ineligible at HIV testing, only 22.6% (95%CI 15.9–30.6%) completed CD4 staging and returned for a repeat CD4 test after delivery. LTFU (≥1 month late for last scheduled visit) before delivery was 20.5% (95%CI 16.0–25.6%) and, among those still in care, 47.9% (95%CI 41.2–54.6%) within six months after delivery. Overall, 57.5% (95%CI 51.6–63.3%) were lost between HIV testing and six months post-delivery. Conclusions Our findings highlight the challenge of continuity of care among HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal services, particularly those ineligible for ART.

We identified a complex set of interconnected barriers to retaining postpartum women in HIV care under Option B+, including structural, personal, and societal barriers. The importance of postpartum HIV care for the mother's own health must be embraced by health-care workers and public health programs.

Background Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is a key component of TB/HIV control, but few countries achieve high IPT coverage. Methods Using a behavioural COM-B design approach, the intervention consisted of a training on IPT guidelines and tuberculin skin testing (TST), identification of the optimal IPT implementation strategy by the health care workers (HCWs) of 3 primary care clinics, and a 2-month mentoring period. Using routine register data, TST and IPT uptake was determined 3 months before and 5 months after the intervention. Records were reviewed to identify factors associated with IPT initiation and HCW fidelity to the guidelines. A survey among HCWs was conducted to determine barriers to IPT. Results Two clinics implemented TST-guided IPT for all clients receiving HIV care, one clinic decided against use of TST. According to routine register data, the proportion of clients initiating IPT increased substantially at the clinic not opting for TST (6% vs 36%), but minimally (34% vs 37% and 0.7% vs 3%) in the two other clinics. TST uptake did not increase (0 vs 0% and 0.5%). In addition to poor IPT uptake, HCW fidelity to investigation for TB and timing of IPT initiation was poor, with only 68% of symptomatic patients investigated and IPT initiation delayed to a median of 374 days post-ART initiation. In multivariate analysis, pregnancy (aOR 18.62, 95% CI 6.99–53.46), recent HIV diagnosis (aOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.73–7.41), being on ART (aOR 9.44, 95% CI 3.05–36.17), and CD4 <500 cells/mm 3 (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.22–4.18) were associated with IPT initiation. Time needed to perform a TST, motivating patients to return for TST reading, and low IPT patient awareness were the main barriers to IPT implementation. Conclusion Despite using a behavioural intervention framework including training and participatory development of the clinic IPT strategy, HCW fidelity to the guidelines was poor, resulting in low TST coverage and low IPT uptake under primary care conditions. To achieve the benefits of IPT, health system level approaches including TST-free guidelines and sensitization are needed.

Objective To compare patient retention at three stages of pre-antiretroviral (ART) care and two stages of post-ART care to identify when greatest attrition occurs. Design An observational cohort study. Methods We reviewed files of all adult, non-pregnant individuals testing HIV-positive January 1 – June 30, 2010, at a primary health clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa (N=842). We classified retention in pre-ART stage 1 (HIV diagnosis to CD4 results notification in ≤3 months), pre-ART stage 2 (initially ineligible for ART with repeat CD4 test ≤1 year of prior CD4), pre-ART stage 3 (initiating ART ≤3 months after first eligible CD4 result), as well as at 0–6 and 6–12 months post-ART. Results Retention among all patients during pre-ART stage 1 was 69.8% (95%CI 66.7–72.9%). For patients initially ART-ineligible (n=221), 57.4% (95%CI 49.5–65.0%) returned for a repeat CD4 during pre-ART stage 2. Among those ART-eligible (n=589), 73.5% (95%CI 69.0–77.6%) were retained during pre-ART stage 3. Retention increased with time on ART, from 80.2% (95%CI 75.3–84.5%) at 6 months to 95.3% (95%CI 91.7–97.6%) between 6–12 months. Cumulative retention from diagnosis to 12 months on ART was 36.9% (95%CI 33.0–41.1%) for those ART-eligible and 43.0% (95%CI 36.4–49.8%) from diagnosis to repeat CD4 testing within one year among those ART-ineligible. Conclusions Patient attrition in the first year following HIV diagnosis was greatest prior to ART initiation: over 25% at each of three pre-ART stages. As countries expand HIV testing and ART programs, success will depend on linkage to care, especially prior to ART eligibility and initiation.