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Table 3 Summary of themes related to potential feasibility and acceptability of a cMM program in southwestern Kenya

From: Acceptability of community-based mentor mothers to support HIV-positive pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment in western Kenya: a qualitative study

Themes

Key results

Perceived benefits and acceptability of cMMs

• Advantage of having a woman directly in the community with recent PMTCT experience

• Potential for HIV-related stigma reduction

• Female empowerment

• Reduction of healthcare providers’ workload

• Elimination of travel to clinic for certain services

Ideal role of cMMs and ideal aspects of cMM visit

• Target population: HIV-infected pregnant or postpartum women, extended groups (people at HIV risk)

• Topics to be covered during the visits: PMTCT, reproductive health, tools to overcome fears related to living with HIV, child health, first aid, marital counseling, non-communicable diseases, TB, other

• Private visits, male partner involvement in at least part of the visit

• No universally convenient timing for the visits – to be adjusted to individual /community preferences

Ideal characteristics of cMMs

• HIV-infected and open about her HIV status

• Good adherence to HIV treatment

• Familiar with community culture and beliefs

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Middle-aged

• Knowledgeable and a good educator

• Good communication skills

• Friendly and engaging

Potential risks and barriers related to the cMM approach

• Breach of confidentiality

• Inadvertent disclosure of HIV status

• Lack of private meeting places in clients’ homes

• Potential stigmatization and social isolation of cMMs in the communities