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Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy can lead to serious health issues for both mothers and babies, as well as increase the risk of acquiring HIV. Therefore, it is crucial to provide STI and HIV services during prenatal care. This study aimed to understand the experiences and motivations of pregnant women who received STI testing while starting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Study Overview
We talked to 39 women in Western Kenya who began PrEP in antenatal clinics and were tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The interviews were held from September 2023 to April 2024. We analyzed their responses to understand their experiences with STI testing and how it affected their PrEP use.
Key Findings
- The average age of participants was 26 years, and most had more than 8 years of education.
- Many women were unaware of their partner’s HIV status.
- 82% continued using PrEP 9 months after giving birth.
- Women were motivated to get tested due to fear of untreated infections affecting their pregnancy and a desire for better health.
- Education about STIs and immediate treatment options helped improve their testing experience.
- Testing encouraged healthier behaviors, like continuing PrEP, even if results were negative.
Conclusion
STI testing during pregnancy not only encouraged women to use PrEP but also empowered them to take charge of their health. Integrating STI testing with PrEP services in prenatal care can significantly benefit this vulnerable group.
Opportunities for Clinics
- Define measurable outcomes to track the effectiveness of integrated STI and PrEP services.
- Set clear goals for improving health outcomes for pregnant women.
- Select AI tools that support clinical needs in managing STI and PrEP services.
- Implement a step-by-step approach to pilot projects and monitor results using AI solutions.
Contact Us
For more information on AI solutions in medical management, reach out to us:
- Telegram: https://t.me/itinai
- X: https://x.com/vlruso
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itinai/
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