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This study aims to determine the rates of depression among pregnant women undergoing HIV testing in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs.

July 3, 2026Open Access

Depression among pregnant rural South African women undergoing HIV testing

Key Points

This study aims to determine the rates of depression among pregnant women undergoing HIV testing in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs.
Prevalence study of pregnant women in rural South Africa testing for HIV.
Assessment of women’s perceptions about the consequences of HIV diagnosis.
Evaluation of the relationship between depression status and perceptions.
High rates of depression were observed among pregnant women undergoing HIV testing.
Depression was linked to negative perceptions regarding HIV diagnosis and its consequences.

Abstract

Rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in southern Africa are high, with up to 45% of pregnant women being HIV-positive. Depression is associated with lowered adherence to antiretroviral medication and poor use of antenatal care. It frequently persists into the postnatal period, raising the risk of adverse child outcomes. Because little is known about the rates of depression among women undergoing HIV testing in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs (PMTCT), we undertook this prevalence study. A secondary aim was assessment of perceptions among these women about adverse consequences of an HIV diagnosis, and whether these perceptions were related to depression status.

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