Publication:

Uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus interventions among infected mothers attending health facilities in Mombasa County, Kenya

Background The study was conducted in Mombasa County, Kenya, and aimed at the uptake of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission interventions among HIV-infected mothers attending health facilities. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was used between May 2021 and October 2021, utilizing a self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data. The collected information was then analyzed using SPSS version 17 and STATA version 9.2.

Methods The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design.

Results 84.8% of respondents exclusively breastfed their babies, and 77.3% received antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Education level, being a housewife, and religion showed statistically significant associations with PMTCT service uptake (p<0.05). Additionally, 53.7% of participants demonstrated awareness of the importance of enrolling in PMTCT intervention services. The study highlighted high levels of knowledge among participants regarding PMTCT interventions, with 89.9% having correct knowledge of ARVs for children, 83.5% understanding the importance of counselling, 77.3% practicing modified infant feeding, and 85% acknowledging the necessity of delivering in a health facility. Knowledge of PMTCT components such as HIV counselling, ARV usage, facility-based delivery, and early diagnosis was significantly associated with the uptake of PMTCT interventions.

Conclusions Utilization of PMTCT services among postnatal HIV-positive mothers was high among postnatal HIV-positive women who embraced the PMTCT interventions. The respondents had average knowledge concerning PMTCT services. This study suggests supporting and encouraging related stakeholders to provide education about MTCT.