Factors contributing to HIV positive babies from mothers attending PMTCT program at Thyolo district hospital.
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Date
2011-10-31
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
PMTCT services were introduced in Malawi 2001 by the Ministry of Health. It was observed
that some babies whose mothers have received PMTCT services have tested HIV positive. The study investigated about the factors contributing to HIV positive babies from mothers attending PMTCT program at Thyolo District Hospital. It looked at adherence to prophylaxis, labour and delivery process that could facilitate transmission and risk behaviours facilitating transmission.
The study was a descriptive quantitative. A questionnaire was used to collect data after testing it for its validity and reliability at a pilot centre. A sample of 30 subjects was selected for the study
and it comprised of HIV positive mothers and their babies. Purposive sampling method was used to select subjects for the study. Consent was sought from the participants before data collection. Data was analyzed manually and presented in tables, pie and graphs. There is evidence of HIV transmission among babies from mothers attending PMTCT program. The findings of the study
indicated that home deliveries, invasive procedures, failure to adhere to prophylaxis for both mothers and babies and failure to provide quality PMTCT management to clients by service
providers were among the contributing factors to HIV transmission. There should be clear policies to guide PMTCT clients during labour and delivery process. Stiff punishment should
also be given to clients who deliver on the way and reinforce pregnant mothers to go for waiting in hospitals before labour starts by village headsmen. Health workers should intensify IEC on prevention of HIV and adherence to drugs in the community.