Exploring the Lived-Experience of Antiretroviral Therapy during Pregnancy

A literature review examining adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was conducted to understand the current state of the literature. The implications of low adherence are substantial and costly to the health care system, family and those infected with HIV. Gaps in the literature existed in describing why some pregnant women are adherent and others have low adherence. A qualitative study that used interpretive phenomenology to better understand the experience of taking ART during pregnancy was conducted to fill these gaps. In-depth interviews with ten women living with HIV in the second or third trimester uncovered the unique collective experience of taking ART during pregnancy. The overarching theme discovered was a balancing act of taking ART. The four interrelated subthemes that emerged from the data were struggles, motivators, reminders, and support. These themes will inform the care provided to pregnant women living with HIV and provide pilot data in developing interventions target at increasing adherence to ART during pregnancy.