Knowledge, attitudes and practices about PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at Zongo

Abstract

The study focused on knowledge, attitudes and practices about PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at zongo clinic, berekum. A descriptive study design was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The sample population was obtained using convenience sampling. A total of 50 nursing students were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants. The study found that the majority of the respondents (100%) agreed that HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and through breastfeeding. There was positive attitude of the pregnant women towards PMTCT services with early detection of the virus, given ART to reduce risk of child transmission and pregnant women testing with their partners. Health workers view effective management and care on testing for HIV though late antenatal care reduces its effectiveness. There was effective prevention from mother to child transmission which improves the health and wellbeing of the mother. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations have been made. The health workers conducting community awareness, campaigns, involving community leaders and spiritual leaders to communicate information about PMTCT, to promote male partner involvement and encouraging positive attitude towards PMTCT. The health workers continuing to educate the public to maintain knowledge and positive attitude towards PMTCT program. Simpler Research can the carried out on a larger scale for generalization