Awareness and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the awareness and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a federal medical center in Nigeria.

METHODOLOGY

Valid and reliable questionnaires were interviewer administered to pregnant women at antenatal booking during the study period, prior to being counseled on HIV/AIDS.

RESULTS

All respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS. The main sources of information included posters/billboards (37%), radio (36%), television (28%) and health workers (34%). The majority (90%) of the respondents were aware that HIV/AIDS can coexist with pregnancy, but only 68% were aware of mother-to-child transmission. Transplacental route, vaginal delivery and breastfeeding were identified as routes of transmission from mother to child by 65%, 38% and 52% of respondents, respectively. Caesarean section was believed to be a route of transmission by 43% of respondents, but only 3% identified caesarean section as a method of prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

CONCLUSION

Though the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among women attending our antenatal clinic is high, the level of knowledge about mother-to-child transmission is inadequate. There is a need for adequate counseling and education about HIV/AIDS and mother-to-child transmission in antenatal clinics and also through public campaign media.