Browsing by Author "Tesfahun, HaileMichael"

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    Determining Factors that Affect Pregnant Women’s Utilization of PMTCT Services in Ethiopia: The Case of Health Facilities at Nazareth/Adama
    (2006-06) Tesfahun, HaileMichael; Linsk, Nathan L. (Professor)
    Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (MTCT) has infected a large number of infants in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. However, the risk of MTCT has dropped to as low as 2% in developed countries since the introduction of antiretroviral drugs. MTCT can occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and after birth through breast-feeding. The prevention of MTCT depends on the health care system and community based organizations and structures. The purpose of this qualitative and evaluative study was to find out the factors determining the seropositive mothers’ PMTCT service utilization and know where the gap is. Findings revealed a number of factors for PMTCT service utilization. These center on lack of resource capacity at the health facilities to render necessary services, lack of coordinated care and support, lack of male partners’ involvement, lack of home based care, safe-home birth practices, and lack of community involvement in the program. On provision of a range of services, the MTCT should not only focus on saving the child but also on the health and psychosocial well-being of the mother and the family