Abstract:
Background: Mother to child transmission of HIV continues to be the major source of HIV
infection among children under the age of fifteen. Targeting pregnant women attending antenatal
clinics provides a unique opportunity for implementing prevention of mother-to-child
transmission (PMTCT) programs against HIV infection of newborn babies. This study assessed
utilization of PMTCT service of HIV and associated factors among ANC attending mothers
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20 to March
30, 2015 using exit interviews with 377 ANC attendees using consecutive sampling method. Indepth interviews with service providers were conducted to complement the quantitative data.
Data were entered and analyzed using EPI Data and SPSS respectively.
Results: The prevalence of PMTCT service utilization was 86.9% in this study. Only 8.6% of
respondents attended the facility for HIV counseling and testing. After controlling confounders
using logistic regression; PMTCT service utilization was associated with age (25-34) of
respondents (AOR(95%CI)=0.46(0.22,0.97)), Mother`s occupational status (being merchant
AOR(95%CI) =0.31(0.12,0.83)), being government employee (AOR(95%CI) = 0.05(0.01,0.28)),
being student (AOR(95%CI)=0.1(0.005)) and being daily labourer
(AOR(95%CI)=0.13(0.05,0.33))), husband’s educational status (lack of formal education
(AOR(95%CI)=3.3(1.1,9.9)), having discussion with husband(AOR(95%CI)=6.1(2.6,14.1)),
partner tested(AOR(95%CI)=8.2(1.9,34.46)) and not satisfied with the
service(AOR(95%CI)=0.46(0.2,0.99)). Absence of counselors/providers, lack of awareness and
knowledge about HCT, waiting for long time and lack of partner involvement in the service were
the main barriers cited for not utilizing PMTCT service during the current pregnancy.
Conclusions: HIV testing among ANC attendees and knowledge about MTCT of HIV was high.
Efforts should be made to improve the quality and coverage of PMTCT services and mitigate the
barriers preventing mothers from seeking HIV testing. Further research should be conducted to
evaluate the effective use of ARV drug among HIV-positive pregnant women attending ANC
clinics
