Utilization of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV services and associated factors among ANC attendants, Sebeta town, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia

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