Abstract:

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is by far the largest source of HIV infection in children below the age of 15 years. The virus may be transmitted during pregnancy, child birth or breast feeding. Globally 2.7 million children under  the age of 15 years have died of AIDS Over 9 in 10 were I infected by their mothers. Recently however, many interventions are available to reduce mother to child transmission, such as anti-retroviral drug and avoidance of breast feeding. To assess the knowledge pregnant women have on HIV/AIDS, mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and how PMTCT services are utilized in a tertiary health facility in The Gambia. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 150 women that consecutively attended the antenatal clinic of Hands On Care. Approval was obtained from the Director of Hand On Care. Sexually active population (15 – 24yrs) constituted 34% whilst 72.0% were housewives. Myths and misconceptions of HIV/AIDS, 42.7% said mosquito bites can cause HIV; 25.3% said sharing of meals with infected person can transmit HIV. Utilization of PMTCT services was high with 92.7% tested for HIV. Out of those respondents 50.0% had ever discussed PMTCT services with their husband. Utilization of PMTCT services among pregnant women was high. However, knowledge on the causes and transmission of HIV was inadequate. Need to formulate policies aim at sensitizing women about the causes and transmission of HIV/AIDS. Promoting the uptake of PMTCT services will also go a long way reducing the transmission of unborn babies by infected mothers.

Keywords: Antenatal Care; HIV/AIDS; Knowledge; Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission; Pregnant Wome; Utilization.

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