Factors influencing utilization and adherence to Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS services in Rivers State, Nigeria

Effectiveness of services for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) depends on viable and efficient health systems, adherence to and utilization of services. Despite strategies to provide access to PMTCT of HIV services, utilization of these services remain low in Nigeria thereby increasing child morbidity and mortality from HIV-related causes. Adherence to comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, for both the mother and baby, remain a challenge for HIV positive women. Utilizing the Health Belief Model and Social Support Theory, this qualitative study explores factors influencing utilization and adherence to PMTCT services by mothers living with HIV/AIDS in Rivers State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling procedures were used to select 40 study participants including 20 HIV positive mothers and 20 health care workers as key informants. Findings indicate that high self-perceived susceptibility to HIV influences utilization and adherence to PMTCT services among mothers living with HIV and AIDS in Rivers State. Although utilization and adherence to PMTCT were reported very high among this population, there were however challenges and barriers to optimal utilization of PMTCT. These include unavailability of test kits, antiretroviral medication stock-outs, and inadequate human resources for health. High transport, PMTCT and antenatal care costs were identified as the major socio-economic barriers to PMTCT administration as well as the high financial burden of formula feeding for women that preferred exclusive formula feeding. In addition to increased numbers of health care workers trained in PMTCT service delivery, recommendations for a public health approach to service delivery and a streamlined primary care strategy are proposed. These include social and community activities to address HIV/AIDS stigma, improving awareness of PMTCT facts, addressing gender relations and encouraging male participation. Inter-ministerial collaborations and targeted partnerships are also recommended for expanding coverage and ensuring optimal utilization of PMTCT services.

Grantor

Department of Social Development

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Jumare, Fadila

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John-Langba, Johannes

• Women Living with HIV/AIDS
• Antenatal Care
• Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/31221

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/31221