International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021052019060220622062ENDepartments of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, HarareDepartments of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, HarareDepartments of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, HarareDivision of Women, Rikshospitalet, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo20190602<p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Background</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Poor retention in the prevention of women in prevention of vertical transmission programs remains a formidable common setback in elimination of HIV/AIDS. It creates new problems such as poor health outcomes and increased incidence of vertical transmission of HIV. There is a dearth of qualitative information to explain poor retention of women in prevention of mother‑to‑child transmission (PMTCT) programs in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to<br />explore the enablers and barriers of retention of women in PMTCT programs. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Methods</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">This was a basic qualitative study conducted at four health centers in Zimbabwe. Four audiotaped focus group discussions were conducted with 34 pregnant or breastfeeding women coming for PMTCT services at the health centers. Descriptive statistics was used for sample demographics. Transcripts were<br />analyzed through latent content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman method. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Results</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Maternal determination, a four‑tier support system, and an inspiring health package were enablers to retention in the PMTCT program while uninspired individual engagement, paternalism, and undesirable PMTCT‑related events were barriers to retention of women in the PMTCT program.<br /></span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Conclusions</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Reinforcing hope for the women and their children, active management of side effects of antiretroviral medicine, consistent peer support, enhancing confdentiality among community cadres, and commitment from community or religious leaders may improve retention of women in PMTCT programs; for women with HIV during pregnancy, delivery and post‑natal care.<br /></span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0" style="color: #00652e;"><strong>Keywords</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle3">HIV infection, prevention and control, retention, vertical infection transmission</span></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2062http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2062/717717880