Browsing by Author "Muheriwa, Rose Sadandaula"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Factors influencing utilization of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services in young adults in Balaka District
    (2011-03-01) Muheriwa, Rose Sadandaula
    One of the most tragic consequences of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in women is the transmission of the virus to their children. It is estimated that, during the year 2005, 17.5 million women and 2.3 million children worldwide were infected with HIV (UNAIDS, 2006). Ninety percent of these children acquired HIV through Mother to Child Transmission (UNAIDS, 2008). Transmission of HIV from mother to child can be reduced with Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that might have influenced utilization of PMTCT services in young female adults aged 15 to 24 years in Balaka district. The specific objectives were to: (i) identify the knowledge of the young adults that might have influenced utilization of PMTCT services, (ii) identify the beliefs of the young adults that might have influenced utilization of PMTCT services, (iii) describe the relationship between knowledge and utilization of PMTCT services in young adults, (iv) describe the relationship between attitude of young adults and utilization of PMTCT services, and (v) describe other contextual factors that might have influenced decisions on utilization of PMTCT services in young adults. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample size for quantitative component was 184 women, who had delivered in the past 18 months and had utilized PMTCT services. For the qualitative component, 12 participants from the quantitative sample were selected by purposive sampling where every 10th participant was picked. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and a semi structured interview guide was used to guide an in-depth interview. Descriptive statistics were computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results revealed that, overall the participants had general knowledge about PMTCT services. However, they lacked comprehensive knowledge about the services hence actual utilization of the services was poor. Statistically significant difference was found between knowledge and utilization of PMTCT services. The participants had positive beliefs and attitude towards PMTCT services, however not all positive attitudes translated into positive behavior. Lack of male support, inability of the midwives to provide comprehensive care to HIV infected mothers and their infants, and fear of stigma and discrimination were other factors that hindered utilization of PMTCT services. It is recommended that community mobilization on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV should be conducted in the district to promote awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve utilization of PMTCT services. Monitoring and evaluation activities and in-service education for health workers should be emphasized in order to enhance provision of comprehensive care to HIV positive pregnant women.