Knowledge of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV among women of reproductive age group and associated factors at Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia

Spatial variation and predictors of composite index of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and behaviours among Ethiopian women: A spatial and multilevel analyses of the 2016 Demographic Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Although the dissemination of health information is one of the pillars of HIV prevention efforts in Ethiopia, a large segment of women in the country still lack adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, and behaviours. Despite many studies being conducted in Ethiopia, they mostly focus on the level of women's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, failing to examine composite index of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) domains comprehensively. In addition, the previous studies overlooked individual and community-level, and spatial predictors. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence, geographical variation (Hotspots), spatial predictors, and multilevel correlates of inadequate HIV/AIDS-Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour (HIV/AIDS-KAB) among Ethiopian women.

METHODS

The study conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, included 12,672 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling technique was used; a random selection of enumeration areas (clusters) followed by selecting households per cluster. Composite index of HIV/AIDS-KAB was assessed using 11 items encompassing HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and misconceptions. Spatial analysis was carried out using Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software. Spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I) was used to determine the non-randomness of the spatial variation in inadequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was performed, with the measure of association reported using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its corresponding 95% CI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB among Ethiopian women was 48.9% (95% CI: 48.1, 49.8), with significant spatial variations across regions (global Moran's I = 0.64, p<0.001). Ten most likely significant SaTScan clusters were identified with a high proportion of women with inadequate KAB. Somali and most parts of Afar regions were identified as hot spots for women with inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB. Higher odds of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB was observed among women living in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.18), rural residents (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.22), having no formal education (AOR = 2.66; 95% CI: 2.04, 3.48), non-autonomous (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: (1.43, 2.28), never listen to radio (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: (1.02, 2.39), never watched television (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.92), not having a mobile phone (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.88), and not visiting health facilities (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.72).

CONCLUSION

The level of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB in Ethiopia was high, with significant spatial variation across regions, and Somali, and Afar regions contributed much to this high prevalence. Thus, the government should work on integrating HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts with existing reproductive health services, regular monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration and partnership to tackle this gap. Stakeholders in the health sector should strengthen their efforts to provide tailored health education, and information campaigns with an emphasis on women who lack formal education, live in rural areas, and poorest wealth quintile should be key measures to enhancing knowledge. enhanced effort is needed to increase women's autonomy to empower women to access HIV/AIDS information. The media agencies could prioritise the dissemination of culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS information to women of reproductive age. The identified hot spots with relatively poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS should be targeted during resource allocation and interventions.

Comprehensive knowledge of mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and associated factors among reproductive-age women in East Africa: insights from recent demographic and national health surveys

BACKGROUND

More than 90% of babies acquire HIV/AIDS through vertical transmission, primarily due to low maternal comprehensive knowledge about Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS and its prevention, which is a cornerstone for eliminating MTCT of HIV/AIDS. However, there are limitations in terms of population data and literature evidence based on recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) reports in East Africa. Therefore, this study aims to assess the comprehensive knowledge and PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among women, as well as the associated factors in East Africa.

METHODS

Our data was obtained from the most recent DHS conducted in East African countries between 2011 and 2022. For our research, we included DHS data from ten nations, resulting in a total weighted sample of 133,724 women for our investigation. A generalized linear model (GLM) with a log link and binomial family to directly estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between the independent variables, and the outcome variable. Finally, we reported the adjusted prevalence ratios along with their corresponding 95% CIs. Factors with p-values ≤ 0.2 for univariate logistic regression and < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors of HIV/AIDS knowledge and prevention in the final model.

RESULTS

In this study, 59.41% (95% CI: 59.15-59.67) of respondents had a comprehensive knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among reproductive-age women in East Africa. Being in the older age group, better education level, being from a rich household, employment status, having ANC follow up, institutional delivery, and modern contraception usage were associated with higher prevalence ratios of comprehensive knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. However, being single in marital status, rural women, and traditional contraception utilization were associated with lower ratios of comprehensive knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a significant deficiency in comprehensive knowledge and prevention of HIV/AIDS MTCT among women in East Africa. These results emphasize the need for significant improvements in maternal-related health services. It is crucial to effectively target high-risk populations during interventions, raise awareness about this critical public health issue, and address the catastrophic consequences associated with MTCT. By implementing these measures, we can make substantial progress in reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child and ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant health challenge affecting many people including those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Even though HIV can be transmitted through various means, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the major route of transmission in children under the age of five. This study examined the correlates of knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ghana.

METHODS

Data for this study were obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 9,106 women aged 15 to 49 years. We conducted both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy. The results were presented using frequencies, percentages, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Approximately, 69.41% of women of reproductive age knew of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who had two (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.01, 1.72]) or three (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.07, 1.76]) births were more knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who read the newspaper (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.31, 1.86]), listened to the radio (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.05, 1.45]), lived in rural areas (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.09, 1.54]) or ever been tested for HIV (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37]) were more likely to be knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy than their counterparts in the reference categories. Compared to those in the Western Region, women in the Upper East (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.32, 0.63]), Upper West (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]), Ashanti (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.58, 0.97]) and Greater Accra Regions (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.56, 0.98]) were less knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a gap in the knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women in Ghana. Continuous public education is required to educate women on HIV transmission from mothers to their children during pregnancy and how this may be interrupted. Such programs should involve the use of the media and take into consideration the demographic and geographic characteristics highlighted as determinants in this study. This will ultimately contribute to the reduction of MTCT of HIV in Ghana.

Factors associated with knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among reproductive-age women in Indonesia: a multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

Maternal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) commonly occurs from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding which accounts for almost all the new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years. Despite major efforts and progress in controlling and preventing HIV, it continues to pose a great public health threat, especially in Indonesia. This study assessed the factors associated with the knowledge of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among reproductive-age women in Indonesia.

METHODS

This study used data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). We sampled 39,735 reproductive-age women (15-49 years) for analysis. Using Stata version 16.0, multilevel logistic regression models were fitted, and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The study found that 72% of women had knowledge of MTCT of HIV. Women who were aged between 45 and 49 years (aOR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.46-1.88) had higher odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV than those aged 15-19 years. Women who attained higher education (aOR = 2.92, 95%CI = 2.06-4.15) had increased odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV than those with no formal education. Women who had four children (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05-1.35) had higher odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV than nulliparous women. Women who frequently read newspapers/magazines (aOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.06-1.25) and frequently used the internet almost every day (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.19-1.38) had higher odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV than those who did not read newspapers/magazines and non-users of internet, respectively. Women within the richer (aOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.02-1.20) and the richest (aOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.04-1.25) wealth quintile higher odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV than those in the poorest wealth quantile. Women who resided in rural areas were less likely to have knowledge of MTCT of HIV (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.74-0.86) than those in urban settlements.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of MTCT of HIV was slightly above average. The study findings on the factors associated with knowledge of MTCT of HIV provide evidence for policymakers and clinicians to utilize in the quest to eliminate MTCT of HIV among children. We recommend that awareness programs should consider the key findings from this study when delivering public education or when developing interventions to improve women's knowledge on MTCT of HIV.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of knowledge on PMTCT of HIV/AIDS and Association factors among reproductive age women in Ethiopia, 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite increased interventions implemented for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, There is still a vertical transmission. Hence, this study tried to assess the pooled prevalence of knowledge on PMTCT and factors associated with residence, ANC follow-up, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed to review either published or unpublished studies in Ethiopia regarding knowledge on PMTCT. A comprehensive search of international databases, including Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, HINARI, Embrace, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Global Health, were searched. The data were analyzed using STATA/SE version 14. The random-effect model was used to estimate the effect size, and I-squared statistics and Egger's test were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively.

RESULTS

14 out of 14,091 assessed articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The estimated pooled level of knowledge on PMTCT among reproductive-age groups was 62.15% [(95% CI: 43.63-80.66)]. Residence [(OR = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.99, 7.85)], ANC follow-up [(OR = 4.2, 95%CI: 2.21, 7.98)], and having sufficient knowledge about the diseases [(OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 3.6, 6.66)] were found to be significant predictors of knowledge on PMTCT among reproductive-age groups.

CONCLUSION

Strategies to improve the knowledge of PMTCT in Ethiopia should focus on rural women, improving knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and ANC follow-up. Efforts are also needed to involve husbands and related organization in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.

Women's decision-making power and knowledge of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bears the highest burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the world. Even though the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programmme is one of the strategies to control the HIV pandemic, the uptake in SSA countries is low. Women’s decision-making power has a positive influence on health seeking behavior and uptake of several maternal health services. However, its relationship with knowledge of PMTCT services is understudied in SSA. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between women’s decision-making power and knowledge of PMTCT in 24 countries in SSA.

Methods

Analysis of this study included data on 158,812 married women from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 24 sub-Saharan African countries conducted between 2010 and 2020. Using Stata version-14 software, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The results were presented using adjusted odd ratios (aOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In the pooled results, 69.5% (95% CI; 66.7–72.1%) of married women in the studied countries had knowledge of PMTCT, ranging from 13.9% (95% CI; 11.9–16.2%) in Comoros to 75.4% (95% CI; 73.7–76.9%) in Zimbabwe. Higher odds of PMTCT knowledge were seen among married women who had decision-making power compared to married women who had no decision-making power. Moreover, we found higher odds of PMTCT knowledge among married women with manual occupation, those in the richest households and those with 1–2 children compared to married women who were not working, from the poorest households, and those with no children, respectively.

Conclusion

Women’s decision-making power had positive influence on PMTCT knowledge. To increase the coverage of PMTCT knowledge, policy makers and other stakeholders need to target ways to empower women through increasing women’s decision-making power. Moreover, creating employment opportunities and economic empowerment for women need to be considered, especially in countries with very low coverage of PMTCT knowledge.

Pregnant Women’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Fertility Desire, Knowledge of Prevention of MCT of HIV and Associated Factors Among Men and Women Attending ART Clinic at Public Health Institutions of West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2020

Background

Globally, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects young people in their reproductive years. Most of the studies conducted in Ethiopia focus on the fertility desire of women of reproductive age and did not give due consideration to the men’s fertility perspective. Thus, this study aimed to assess the fertility desire, knowledge of prevention of mother to child of HIV (PMTCT), and associated factors among HIV-positive men and women attending ART clinic at west Shewa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

Facility-based cross-sectional study design was applied to identify fertility desire, PMTCT knowledge, and associated factors among 590 HIV-positive reproductive age group men and women attending ART clinics at public health institutions of West Shewa zone. Data were collected by pre-tested structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of predictors on fertility desire and knowledge about PMTCT. Odds ratio, 95% CI, and P value 0.05 were used to measure the statistical association.

Results

The prevalence of fertility desire and knowledge of PMTCT in the study area were 58.8% and 30.7%, respectively. The odds of fertility desire were higher among the respondents aged >25 years [AOR=4.64, 95% CI (2.75–7.85)], housewives [AOR=3.14, 95% CI (1.90–5.21)], merchants [AOR=5.31, 95% CI (2.55–11.05)], ART use for ≤5 years [AOR=5.13, 95% CI (2.37–11.12)] and among those voluntarily tested to know their HIV status [AOR=2.16, 95% CI (1.30–3.58)]. Besides, the odds of fertility desire were low among husband who cannot read and write [AOR=0.07, 95% CI (0.02–0.23)], primary education [AOR=0.22, 95% CI (0.09–0.56)], and secondary education [AOR= 0.32, 95% CI (0.14–0.73)] when compared with husband education of college and above. Likewise, the odds of PMTCT knowledge were higher among the respondents aged less than 25 years [AOR=2.53, 95% CI (1.32–4.86)] who undergone voluntary testing during HIV diagnosis reasons [AOR=1.55, 95% CI (1.03–2.35)], and ART use for more than five years [AOR=1.94, 95% CI (1.26–2.98)].

Conclusion

Younger age, husband education, occupation, recent HIV test, and voluntary testing were significantly associated with fertility desire. Likewise, the younger age group, voluntary testing and counseling, and those on ART for more than five years had higher odds of PMTCT knowledge. Therefore, strengthening voluntary testing and counseling strong counseling on PMTCT throughout the follow-up care and involvement partners is of paramount importance should be insured to decrease MTCT.

Mapping of mothers' suffering and child mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa

Child death and mothers who suffer from child death are a public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. The location and associated factors of child death and mothers who suffer child death were not identified. To monitor and prioritize effective interventions, it is important to identify hotspots areas and associated factors. Data from nationally representative demographic and health survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster administrated in 42 Sub-Sahara Africa countries, which comprised a total of 398,574 mothers with 1,521,312 children. Spatial heterogeneity conducted hotspot regions identified. A mixed-effect regression model was run, and the adjusted ratio with corresponding 95% confidence intervals was estimated. The prevalence of mothers who suffer child death 27% and 45-49 year of age mother 48%. In Niger, 47% of mothers were suffering child death. Women being without HIV knowledge, stunted, wasted, uneducated, not household head, poor, from rural, and from subtropical significantly increased the odds of the case (P < 0.05). The spatial analysis can support the design and prioritization of interventions. Multispectral interventions for mothers who suffer from child death are urgently needed, improve maternal health and it will reduce the future risk of cases.

Levels of mother-to-child HIV transmission knowledge and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data

BACKGROUND

The world community has committed to eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Even though different studies have been done in Ethiopia, to the knowledge of the investigators, the Ethiopian women's level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus is not well studied and the existing evidence is inconclusive. The current study is aimed to study the Ethiopian women's level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and its associated factors using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data.

METHODS

Data of 15,683 women were extracted from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and multilevel ordinal logistic regression were respectively used for the descriptive and analytical studies.

RESULTS

41.1% [95% CI: 39.5%, 42.7%] of the Ethiopian reproductive-age women have adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. 77%, 84% and 87.8% of the women respectively know that human immunodeficiency virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. There are wider regional variations in the women's level of knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Being an urban resident, having better educational status, being from a wealthy household, owning of mobile phone, frequency of listening to the radio, frequency of watching television, and being visited with field workers were significantly associated with having adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.

CONCLUSION

Despite all collective measures put in a place by different stakeholders to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia, a large proportion of the Ethiopian women do not know about the mother-to-child transmission of the disease. Stakeholders working on HIV prevention and control should give due emphasis to promoting mobile phone technology and other media like radio and television by giving due focus to rural residents and poor women to promote the current low level of the knowledge. Emphasis should also be given to the information, education, and communication of the mother-to-child transmission of the disease through community-based educations.

Knowledge and determinants of women's knowledge on vertical transmission of HIV and AIDS in South Africa

BACKGROUND

HIV/AIDS is still one of the major public health concerns globally. It is one of the major contributory causes of deaths among women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) and has resulted in about 14 million orphaned children globally. Knowledge of Mother-to Child transmission is one of the strategies to fight against HIV. This study, therefore, sought to assess the knowledge and determinants of women's knowledge on vertical transmission of HIV and AIDS in their reproductive age in South Africa.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016. Both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analysis (multilevel mixed-effects complementary log-log regression model) were conducted and the statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS during pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding and at least knowledge of one source are 87.0%, 81.1%, 80.3% and 91.4% respectively. At the individual level, those with secondary [AOR = 1.28, CI = 1.04,1.57] and higher [AOR = 1.55, CI = 1.21,1.99], those who read newspaper less than once a week [AOR = 1.16, CI = [1.05,1.28], at least once a week [AOR = 1.14, CI = 1.04,1.25], and those who listen to the radio less than once a week [AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.03,1.43] had higher odds of knowledge on MTCT of HIV and AIDS. However, those with parity 0 [AOR = 0.73, CI = [0.63,0.85] had lower odds of knowledge of MTCT of HIV and AIDS compared with those with parity 4 or more. At the contextual level, those in the poorest wealth quintile [AOR = 0.82,CI = 0.69,0.97] had lower odds of having knowledge of MTCT of HIV and AIDS. Those in the urban areas [AOR = 1.17, CI = [1.04,1.31], those in Limpopo [AOR = 1.35, CI = [1.12,1.64], Gauteng [AOR = 1.35, CI = [1.12,1.62] and North west[AOR = 1.49, CI = [1.22,1.81] had higher odds of knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS.

CONCLUSION

The study has demonstrated that there is relatively high knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS in South Africa. The factors associated with the knowledge are educational level, exposure to mass media, parity, wealth status, place of residence and the region of residence. To further increase the knowledge, it is imperative to adopt various messages and target respondents in different part of SSA through the mass media channels. This should be done taking cognizant of the rural-urban variations and socio-economic status.

Do Women Enrolled in PMTCT Understand the Recommendations: A Case Study from Kilimanjaro

INTRODUCTION

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) remains a cornerstone of HIV prevention and control efforts. It is vital that the beneficiaries of PMTCT programs understand PMTCT recommendations, especially since their adherence to recommendations is key to successful PMTCT. There have been several major changes in PMTCT recommendations, and many women have encountered different recommendations. It is plausible that confusion has arisen as to what is currently recommended for successful PMTCT. This confusion can affect adherence to recommendations and hinder PMTCT efforts. However, little is known about how women enrolled in PMTCT understand the recommendations in the context of these frequent changes.

AIM

In this paper, we present our findings regarding how HIV-positive women enrolled in PMTCT in Kilimanjaro understand PMTCT recommendations pertinent to them.

METHODS

From August 2019 to April 2020, we surveyed 521 mothers enrolled in PMTCT in seven districts in the Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania. A pretested questionnaire was administered to consenting mothers. The questionnaire collected information on mothers' demographic characteristics, previous encounters with PMTCT, and knowledge of various PMTCT program elements, including medication duration, breastfeeding recommendations and infant HIV testing schedule. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with good PMTCT knowledge among mothers.

RESULTS

A total of 521 women were enrolled, the median score for the 19 items used to assess knowledge was 57.9%, and 64.9% scored above the median. Counselling on ART (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.08-4.36) and counselling on breastfeeding during the ANC visits (OR=2.38, 95% CI 1.38-4.11) were the only factors that we found to be significantly associated with higher odds of good knowledge of PMTCT.

CONCLUSION

Even amongst mothers enrolled in PMTCT, poor understanding regarding key PMTCT recommendations prevails. There is a need to reassess the training modalities and look at ways to reinforce PMTCT messages to mothers.

Knowledge about mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS, its prevention and associated factors among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from 33 countries recent Demographic and Health Surveys

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) 90 percent of babies acquired HIV/AIDS from infected mothers. Maternal knowledge about mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS and its prevention is a cornerstone for elimination of MTCT of HIV/AIDS. Despite this, there is limited evidence about knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention and associated factors in SSA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS, its prevention (PMTCT) and, associated factors among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

To assess Knowledge about mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and its prevention and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

The recent SSA countries' Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which were conducted from 2008/09 to 2018/19, was our data source. We appended 33 countries' DHS data for our analysis. For our study, a total weighted sample of 350,888 reproductive-age women was used. Due to the hierarchical nature of the DHS data, we conducted a multilevel analysis. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was reported, and variables with p-value≤0.05 were considered as significant predictors of knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

RESULTS

In this study, 56.21% (95% CI: 56.05-56.38) of respondents had correct knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among reproductive-age women in SSA. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis: being in the older age group, better education level, being from a rich household, having mass media exposure, having parity of one and above were associated with higher odds of knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. However, being perceiving distance from the health facility as a big problem was associated with lower odds of knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among reproductive-age women in SSA was low. Therefore, it is better to consider the high-risk groups during the intervention to increase awareness about this essential public health issue and to tackle its devastating outcome.