Abstract
BackgroundHIV continues to be a global public health concern with Malawi being among the worst affected countries. The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women is also very high, thereby raising concerns of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is therefore a priority in the efforts to curb the HIV pandemic. Keeping in mind that the area of HIV management is rapidly evolving, underpinning nursing care with evidence-based practice is essential and has been reported to reduce mother-to-child transmission.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses regarding evidence-based practice in PMTCT at a selected hospital in Malawi.MethodsAn exploratory descriptive quantitative design was used, and 81 nurses working in paediatric, obstetrics and gynaecology departments completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Predictive Analytics Software.ResultsThe results showed that nurses had average knowledge of evidence-based practice and although their attitudes were favourable, their practice was very low. Certain sociodemographic variables had an influence on the respondent’s knowledge, attitudes and practices. Furthermore, the results have indicated that evidence-based practice was mainly hampered by insufficient resources and difficulties in accessing research articles. It emerged from the study that mentoring, training and access to literature could facilitate evidence-based practice in PMTCT among nurses.ConclusionNurses need to be provided with the necessary support including education and resources if evidence-based practice in PMTCT is to be promoted.
Highlights
HIV continues to be a global public health concern with an estimated 36.9 million people living with the virus in 2014 (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS [UNAIDS] 2015)
The results are presented in line with the study objectives
Analysis of qualification showed that the majority of the nurses were trained at a level below first degree as only 29% (n = 24) had qualified through a four-year bachelor degree programme
Summary
HIV continues to be a global public health concern with an estimated 36.9 million people living with the virus in 2014 (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS [UNAIDS] 2015). Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), home to a third of the world’s population, bears 70% of all HIV infections having 25.8 million infected people (UNAIDS 2015). Women worldwide remain the most vulnerable group, with an estimated HIV prevalence of 52% (UNAIDS 2013a). HIV prevalence among children is high in SSA. It is estimated that in 2012, 90% of all children who had acquired the virus were from SSA (UNAIDS 2013a). HIV continues to be a global public health concern with Malawi being among the worst affected countries. The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women is very high, thereby raising concerns of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Keeping in mind that the area of HIV management is rapidly evolving, underpinning nursing care with evidence-based practice is essential and has been reported to reduce motherto-child transmission
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