Support for Perinatal Adherence and Depression

Project INSPireD: Integrating Nuanced Support for Perinatal Adherence and Depression

The main aim was to conduct a pilot field test of a group-based depression and adherence counseling intervention with HIV-infected women in the perinatal period. Participants were HIV-infected women living in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The main aim of this study was to conduct a pilot field test of a group-based counseling intervention with HIV-infected women in the perinatal period as delivered by a lay counselor. The primary goal of the intervention was to reduce symptoms of perinatal depression and increase adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant
• HIV-infected and diagnosed with HIV during the index pregnancy
• Meet criteria for a major depressive episode
• Currently on antiretroviral therapy
• Receiving antenatal care at PMMH Gateway clinic
• Primary language English or isiZulu
• Access to a phone and willing to give researchers permission to reach them via phone
• Resident of Umlazi

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
• Active untreated, major mental illness (untreated psychosis, bipolar disorder, dementia, or active suicidality) that would interfere with study participation
• Less than 18 years of age