Utilization of PMTCT services among HIV positive mothers who delivered in Turbo catchement area, Eldoret West District

Abstract

Background: Transmission of the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding is the most common way of infection in children. The prevalence of transmission in developing countries is about 30%, the highest risk of infection being at birth. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program is aimed at reducing the risk of MTCT of HIV. Aim: To explore the experiences of the HIV+ mothers during pregnancy and delivery to be able to understand the reasons for lack of full utilization of PMTCT service package among HIV+ postnatal mothers who delivered at home attending postnatal clinic in Turbo Health Centre; and identify strategies that may reduce MTCT. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study design which entailed in-depth interviews with the HIV+ mothers, and health care workers at the clinic as key informants, taped with a voice recorder, transcribed and analysed using NVivo computer software for qualitative research to document emerging themes. Results: Participants had 1) Knowledge on PMTCT services: they described as exclusive infant feeding for six months, health facility delivery where clean equipment is used, and would be given drugs, use of condoms to prevent HIV re- infection. 2) Utilization of PMTCT services: All participants were screened for HIV at ANC and recruited into the PMTCT program, some of them already knew their HIV status, but were lost to follow up at the time of delivery. 3) Patient Factors included abrupt labour pains at night, lack of money for transport and labour ward charges 4) Health centre related factors included inconsistent information on PMTCT services; labour ward charges would be waived, breast feeding for one year, lack of incentives like tea, sanitary pads and negative attitude among the staff who were unfriendly. Conclusion: Although HIV + mothers had received information on PMTCT and recruited into the program, they did not deliver at the health facility due to client and' health centre related factors