Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS: Service utilization and associated factors among selected public health facilities in Ethiopia

Abstract

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is the largest mode of HIV transmission among children. This study assesses the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS service utilization and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care (ANC) in selected public health facilities of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Facility-based cross sectional study was conducted among mothers attending ANC in five public health facilities of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone from February to March, 2016. Randomly selected four health centers and one public hospital were included in the study. The study participants from each health facility were recruited by using systematic sampling technique. Exit interviews were conducted among mothers attending ANC services. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PMTCT service utilization of mothers. A total of 378 pregnant mothers having antenatal visit during the study period participated in the study. All of the study participants were offered HIV counseling and testing at that particular antenatal visit. Among these, 317 (83.8 %) were counseled and tested for HIV as part of PMTCT service. Age, residence, mother’s educational status, male partner involvement during antenatal HIV testing, and service providers’ perceived handling of clients were associated with PMTCT service utilization of mothers. The utilization of HIV testing as PMTCT service in this study was lower when compared to the national recommendation set forth in the national PMTCT guideline, which recommends that every pregnant woman coming for ANC visit to health facilities should get HIV counseling and testing. Key words: Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), HIV/AIDS, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia.