Knowledge and attitude as determinant factors in HIV care among pregnant women in Rachuonyo North, Homa-Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Mothers knowledge and attitude on PMTCT is a highly effective intervention with enormous potential to enhance access and utilization of PMTCT services

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices of HIV infected women on Prevention of mother to child transmission attending antenatal care clinics in Rachuonyo North, Homa- Bay County, Kenya.

Design: A cross sectional study

Setting: Twenty antenatal care clinics in Rachuonyo North, Homa-Bay County, Kenya Subjects: HIV infected pregnant women.

Results: PMTCT coverage and utilization was 77%. Majority (71.2%, 95% CI: 66.7 – 75.7) of the respondents had positive health seeking behaviours. Approximately 65.5%, of respondents understood four prong approach of PMTCT whereas, 64.9% of the respondents attended ANC clinics > 4 visits which is standard with WHO. The reasons cited by respondents for PMTCT interventions included ARV prophylaxis with EBF (42.1%, 95% CI: 37.2 – 47.1) ARV prophylaxis with BM substitute (22.9%, 95% CI:18.9 - 27.3) among others. There was significant association between attitude on PMTCT and health seeking behaviour, (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.09 – 4.15) and p=0.004<0.05. Willingness to test for HIV had a significant association with attitude on PMTCT (AOR =1.90, 95% CI: 1.08 – 8.21) with p - value<0.001.

Conclusion: There was significant association between attitude on PMTCT and health seeking behaviour. Knowledge on when MTCT occurs in pregnancy and delivery is critical and key determinant to influence access and utilization of PMTCT services. Accurate information on the PMTCT service access and utilization significantly addresses psychosocial support services.