Behailu Merdekios

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Country: Ethiopia
Background: Public Health
Research Project: Effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of PMTCT services by examining knowledge and behaviour of pregnant women towards PMTCT.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, institution-based survey was conducted in purposively selected settings on a randomly selected sample of 113 pregnant women in Arba Minch. Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained. 

RESULTS: Of 113 respondents, 89.4% were from Arba Minch; 43.4% are 25 years of age and above; 73.4% have attended formal education of primary level and above; 100% reported acceptance of VCT; 92.0% were knowledgeable about MTCT, 90.3% were aware of the availability of the PMTCT service in the health facility. Of the total 74 HIV positive women in PMTCT, only 3(4.1%) have had skilled birth attendants. There was unreasonable loss of women from PMTCT. Maternal educational level has a statistical association with income (p=.000) and the importance of VCT for pregnant women (p= .021). Factors that determine use of PMTCT include: culture, socio-economic status and fear of stigma and discrimination.

CONCLUSION: In the studied area, PMTCT is failing to reach its goal. This is an alarming discovery requiring quick reconsideration and strengthening of preventive strategies at all levels.

Key words: Effectiveness, PMTCT, Pregnant women, HIV, Ethiopia.