Knowledge on MTCT of HIV and Information Source Preferences among HIV Positive Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2017-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) (10) found that the national general knowledge of the prevention of MTCT remains low. Lack of knowledge about MTCT as well as HIV positive status may contribute to increased transmission of MTCT of HIV and lead to unsuccessful PMTCT intervention. Correct knowledge on HIV transmission and prevention is important for avoiding infection. On the other hand, information sources mostly consulted might influence their level of awareness. However, never has a study been conducted to assess the knowledge on MTCT of HIV and understanding the preferred sources of MTCT of HIV information among HIV positive women. It became important to assess the knowledge of mother-to-child transmission and the preferred information sources targeting HIV positive women attending ART and antenatal clinic at health center level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The information obtained shall influence the counseling and education of HIV positive women and also provides information about the various sources of MTCT of HIV information offered and preferred by HIV positive women.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge on MTCT of HIV among HIV positive women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methodology: Facility based cross-sectional study was carried out to achieve the research objectives in Addis Ababa from January to June 2017. Sample size was determined using the formula for a single population proportion by assuming 50% of the targeted population estimated to have MTCT of HIV knowledge. A total of 404 consenting HIV-positive women attending ART and ANC clinic were participated using the systematic sampling technique. Ten trained data collectors and 1 supervisor participated in the data collection. Data were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Manually edited data were entered in to computer using Epi Info V 7; further cleaned and exported in to SPSS V 20; then cleaned again and analyzed as needed. Frequency, percentages, and binary logistic regression analysis with 95% CI, were done to describe and assess associations among variables of interest.
Results: Out of the 404 HIV positive women interviewed, 98.8% responded that they know MTCT of HIV and 43.1% of HIV positive women were found to have good knowledge on the
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timing of MTCT of HIV. The preferred sources of MTCT of HIV information were Health Professional’s / Health Institution’s with 71.5%, followed by HIV positive peer educators with 13.1%. The most selected barriers were ‘‘hard to understand’’ at 28.5% and majority (96.6%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they were learning new MTCT of HIV information helps to keep them healthy.
Conclusions: Knowledge about MTCT in the study area was low. Health workers and HIV positive peer educators followed by TV were the preferred sources of information among study participants.
Recommendations: Health workers and HIV+ peer educators need to be given continuous medical education. During adherence, more attention and emphasis needs to be given on providing accurate and up-to-date knowledge on MTCT of HIV related issues and complemented by using appropriate channels of information.
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Keywords
MTCT of HIV and Information Source, Preferences among HIV Positive Women