An Intervention to Improve Mental Health and HIV Care Engagement Among Perinatal Women in Malawi: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Perinatal depression (PND) is common and an important barrier to engagement in HIV care for women living with HIV (WLHIV). Accordingly, we adapted and enhanced The Friendship Bench, an evidence-based counseling intervention, for perinatal WLHIV. In a pilot randomized trial (NCT04143009), we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and preliminary efficacy of the Enhanced Friendship Bench (EFB) intervention to improve PND and engagement in HIV care outcomes. Eighty pregnant WLHIV who screened positive for PND symptoms on the Self-Report Questionnaire (≥ 8) were enrolled, randomized 1:1 to EFB or usual care, and followed through 6 months postpartum. Overall, 100% of intervention participants were satisfied with the intervention and 93% found it beneficial to their overall health.

SUBMITTER: Bengtson AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10119837 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature