ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Akwolu CC, Aghedo OG*, Dike PN, Ugwuezumba ON, Achime NE, Ozoemena CM and Nwadinigwe UJ
Background: This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and utilization of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services among pregnant and HIV-Positive postpartum women living in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive survey design involving 96 participants who were recruited from selected nine (9) healthcare centers in Enugu between October and November 2023. Data collection was through structured questionnaire interviews that focused on awareness and knowledge of PMTCT services, respondents’ attitudes towards PMTCT, and service utilization patterns. Results: The study indicated a high level of awareness (85.4%) and knowledge (79.1%) of PMTCT services among study participants. Fair (65.6%) attitudes towards PMTCT services were predominant. Statistically significant associations were observed between attitude and education (χ² = 15.663, df = 6, p=0.016) and occupation status (χ² = 18.125, df = 6, p=0.006). PMTCT service utilization by 55.2% of participants, took place during pregnancy and post-delivery; and ART was the most utilized PMTCT service (70.8%). There was a significant association between knowledge of PMTCT and utilization of PMTCT services (χ² = 38.299, df = 6, p = 0.000). Availability of PMTCT facilities and HIV stigmatization were the major facilitator and barrier to PMTCT service utilization respectively. Conclusion: This study presents the need for targeted provider driven interventions aimed at addressing misconceptions and improving PMTCT services coverage and enhance maternal and child health outcomes in this population of interest.
Keywords: PMTCT; HIV-Positive; Pregnant Women; PMTCT Utilization; HIV Prevention
