Uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services among pregnant woman in Rivers State, Nigeria: A preliminary assessment

Abstract

Background: The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme has proven to be an effective and efficient strategy at reducing transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their children. The aim of the study was to make preliminary assessment of the uptake of PMTCT services in selected health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria, three years after commencement of the programme. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June 2005 and May 2006 using secondary data from three PMTCT sites (Isiokpo, Ahoada and Bori General Hospitals). These sites were randomly selected from the existing 16 in the State by a simple random sampling method. PMTCT clinic records in the sites were reviewed and relevant information on PMTCT services collated and analysed using Epi Info ver. 6.04 statistical package and simple proportions and frequency distribution tabulated. Results: A total of 2,524 pregnant women were counselled about HIV screening. Of those who were counselled, 2389 (94.7%) opted in for HIV test and 8.0% were positive. However, only 22.1% of the HIV positive women delivered in the hospitals where they were tested, and only 16.7% of them had an opportunity to receive ARV drugs during labour. Similarly, only 57% of their babies received nevirapine at birth. Conclusion: Uptake of PMTCT services appeared low. Further studies are needed to determine if HIV positive pregnant women can benefit from self-administration of ARV at the onset of labour if delivering elsewhere, and for their newborns to have a similar opportunity for ARVs so as to accelerate PMTCT uptake.