“I want to be around for her so I got to do it, I don’t have a choice”: Exploring the role of motherhood in healthcare engagement for women living with HIV in the United States Restricted; Files & ToC

Abstract

Objective: Women are a key population affected by the HIV epidemic. Many women living with HIV are mothers who are faced with managing their healthcare and wellness needs along with those of their children and other family members. The purpose of this study is to explore challenges and facilitators to health and healthcare engagement for mothers living with HIV in the United States.

 

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of 76 qualitative interviews conducted with women who participated in the Women’s Adherence and Visit Engagement (WAVE) study, a sub-study embedded within The Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). The data excerpts used in this analysis were originally coded using the sub-codes motherhood, social support, and adherence/medication. Thematic analysis of the interview excerpts was conducted to identify sub-themes that emerged from the originally coded data.

 

Results: Of the 76 women who participated in the study, the majority of the women identified as Black (N=46), and 52 women (68%) reported having 1 or more children. Commonly discussed facilitators of engagement in HIV care were: children as sources of strength and motivation, children as logistical support (appointment and medication reminders), and support from fellow mothers and parents living with HIV. The women discussed how children and HIV community support increased their healthcare utilization, improved medication adherence, and led to the prioritization of their health, not only for themselves but for the sake of their children. HIV-stigma and family-related stress and responsibilities emerged as challenges faced by the mothers participating in the study. Several participants reflected on the physical and emotional challenges of balancing motherhood responsibilities and an HIV diagnosis.

 

Conclusion: These findings highlight the various ways in which motherhood and its complex and unique characteristics impact engagement in health and healthcare for women living with HIV. Future public health practice models and interventions should consider the intersectional nature of motherhood among women living with HIV, include parent-child support groups, and mandate HIV-stigma training for clinical providers, to better inform the development and improvement of comprehensive and appropriate interventions, programs, and clinical practice guidelines for mothers living with HIV. 

 

Table of Contents

This table of contents is under embargo until 21 May 2023

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	HIV Motherhood Healthcare Engagement
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Hussen, Sophia, Emory University
Committee Members	Rice, Whitney, Emory University

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