Determining Factors that Affect Pregnant Women’s Utilization of PMTCT Services in Ethiopia: The Case of Health Facilities at Nazareth/Adama
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Date
2006-06
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Abstract
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
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Social Work