HIV & Pregnancy: ART Adherence Challenges

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WASHINGTON, May 8, 2024 – A disturbing connection has emerged between intimate partner violence and the health of pregnant women living with HIV in the United States. New findings reveal that experiencing abuse is significantly associated with reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), a critical component of managing the virus and protecting both mother and child.

The Ripple Effect of Abuse on maternal Health

Understanding how violence impacts HIV treatment is crucial for improving outcomes for vulnerable mothers and their babies.

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant barrier to consistent ART use during pregnancy.
• Reduced ART adherence can lead to higher viral loads, increasing the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby.
• The study highlights the need for integrated screening and support services for pregnant women with HIV.

The research underscores a critical public health concern: intimate partner violence can directly undermine efforts to control HIV transmission and ensure healthy pregnancies. Consistent ART is vital for suppressing the virus, preventing transmission to the baby during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and maintaining the mother’s health.

why Adherence Matters

Adhering to ART regimens can be challenging for anyone,but the added stress and trauma of abuse create substantial obstacles.Women experiencing IPV may face barriers to accessing healthcare, fear retribution from their partners for attending appointments, or have their medication interfered with.These factors can lead to missed doses and inconsistent viral suppression.

Did you know? Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime, according to the CDC.

The Impact on Viral load and Transmission Risk

when ART adherence falters, viral load-the amount of HIV in the blood-can increase. A higher viral load significantly raises the risk of mother-to-child transmission. While advancements in ART have dramatically reduced transmission rates, IPV threatens to reverse this progress.The study emphasizes that addressing IPV is not simply a matter of safety, but a crucial component of effective HIV care.

Researchers found a strong correlation between reported IPV