Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing the HIV transmission from mother to child of pregnant women in antenatal care services in commune VI of Bamako district

Abstract

Introduction: The major cause of transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in children remains the vertical one, (from mother to child). This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of pregnant women on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 34 PMTCT sites, from March 1 to May 31, 2019 with 300 pregnant women. The analysis was made with EPI-Info Version 7.2.2.6

Results: Among our pregnant women, 205 or 68.33% have taken the HIV test which 11 (5.37%) positive. A large majority (97%) of women had heard of HIV and 60% of PMTCT and the main sources of information were TV or radio and talks during antenatal consultations. Nearly ninety percent of women (89.33%) knew that HIV can be transmitted from mother to child, 81% cited the time of childbirth, 69.33% pregnancy and 42% during breastfeeding as the period transmission. Among those who knew their status, 81.46%, have discovered more than 1 year. The acceptance rate for the screening test was 71.33%. For the reduction of the risk of mother-to-child transmission, the use of ARVs was mentioned by 77.67% and 6% think they should be stigmatized by HIV-positive women.

Conclusion: Our survey revealed that pregnant women have fairly good knowledge of HIV / AIDS. Overall, these women have favorable attitudes.