KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHER’S ON MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN MEKET DISRTICT, NORTHEAST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Vertical transmission of HIV is still a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Knowledge on the three possible periods of mother-tochild transmission (MTCT) of HIV shows a direct outcome on the reduction of child mortality. However, there are facility based studies on knowledge of mothers about MTCT of HIV and associated factors among pregnant women but no community based study in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective: To assess the knowledge of mothers on mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted in Meket District from March 8-21, 2014.Trained data collectors using structured interview questionnaire were employed. A total of 542 pregnant women were involved in the study by using stratified sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi-info version 3.5.3 and then transferred to SPSS 20 for further analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used. P-value with 95% CI and Odds Ratio were computed to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to check and determine the final model. Results: Five hundred and forty two respondents participated in the study with 97.5% response rate. Nineteen percent of them had good knowledge of mothers on mother to child transmission of HIV. Urban residence [AOR:2.69 (1.481, 4.873)], able to read and write [AOR: 3.25(1.554, 6.799)], primary education [AOR:2.41 (1.035, 5.602)], information on HIV from health professionals [AOR:3.24 (1.538, 6.832)],discussion with male partners on ANC [AOR:5.80 (2.633, 12.776)], and MTCT [AOR:2.64 (1.590, 4.391)], were factors associated with good knowledge of mothers on MTCT of HIV. Conclusion and recommendation: Good Knowledge of pregnant mothers on motherto- child transmission of HIV was low. It is significantly associated with residence, education, mothers who received information on HIV from health care providers and discussion on ANC and MTCT with partners. Local health authorities’ should consider consistent and male involved health education program to raise the level of knowledge of mothers on mother-to-child transmission of HIV.