Awareness and knowledge on timing of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among antenatal care attending women in Southern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundMother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection remains a major public health problem and constitutes the most important cause of HIV infection in children under the age of 15 years old. Awareness on MTCT of HIV and knowledge of its timing usually pose a direct effect on utilization of PMTCT services (mainly HIV testing, infant feeding options and antiretroviral use). The objective of this study is to assess pregnant women’s knowledge on timing of MTCT of HIV in Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 62 health centers in Southern Ethiopia from February 25 to March 24, 2012. A total of 1325 antenatal care attending women were included in the survey by using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify variables associated with women’s knowledge on timing of MTCT of HIV.ResultsAll interviewed pregnant women were aware of HIV/AIDS transmission, but only 60.7% were aware of the risk of MTCT. The possibility of MTCT during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding was known by 48.4%, 58.6% and 40.7% of the respondents, respectively. The proportion of women who were fully knowledgeable on timing of MTCT was 11.5%. Women’s full knowledge on timing of MTCT was associated with maternal education [AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.49-9.08], and being government employee [AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.23- 5.07]. Whereas, there was a negative association between full knowledge of women on timing of MTCT and no offer of information on MTCT/PMTCT by antenatal care (ANC) service provider [AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30-0.64], lack of discussion on ANC with male partner [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.72], and lack of discussion on HIV/AIDS with male partner [AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43].ConclusionThere was low awareness and knowledge on timing of MTCT of HIV in this study. Hence, strengthening the level of PMTCT services in ANC settings and devising mechanisms to promote involvement of men in PMTCT services is needed.

Assessment of Key HIV Misconceptions among Inhabitants of a Rural Community in Enugu State, Nigeria

“…Misconception has the potential of preventing people from taking necessary steps aimed at preventing HIV infection [26]. In keeping with findings in some rural communities in Africa [9], there is worrisome level of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among inhabitants of rural population in our study. Since inhabitants of rural communities probably are more likely to hold misconceptions about HIV [27], it is very crucial that relevant governments in developing countries design interventions aimed at addressing these misconceptions and empowering the rural dwellers with adequate information on HIV/AIDS.…”

“…In keeping with the typical picture seen in rural areas in Nigeria, most of the respondents did not have Primary education. Low level of education among inhabitants in the rural areas contributes to widespread misconceptions about HIV in those areas [9]. Majority of the respondents in this study, not having formal education (52.7%) revealed that the literacy level is low.…”

“…That same study found out that some of the respondents attributed the disease to punishment from God or witchcraft; while a few thought that sacrifice to the "gods" and herbs could prevent infection with HIV [8]. Some studies in Southern Ethiopia also revealed misconceptions about HIV [9]. Studies in Kenya and Ghana found that some people believe that HIV could be transmitted through touching an infected person, and mosquito bite [10] [11].…”

Knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviours towards HIV testing and self-protection: a survey of Omani pregnant women

“…Furthermore, less than half of the women knew that the virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding. Poor knowledge in these areas has been reported among women of reproductive age in the Islamic Republic of Iran (12), Ethiopia (13) and Nigeria (14). Lack of knowledge was shown to be a barrier to women taking appropriate actions for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, as a higher level of knowledge in this study was associated with desirable intended behaviours related to testing and maintaining healthy sexual relations.…”

Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Meket District, Northeast Ethiopia

“…Different studies reported that sociodemographic factors like age [9], urban living [10], higher educational level [11], and being house wife [12] as factors that affect mothers' knowledge of MTCT of HIV. Studies conducted in southern and northwest Ethiopia [10, 12, 13] reported that gravidity, parity, antenatal care (ANC) visits, and male partner discussion are factors associated with good knowledge of mothers on MTCT of HIV.…”