Table 3.

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

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