Factors influencing uptake of mother to child transmission services:

Abstract

The major aim of this study was to determine factors influencing uptake of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS in Uganda. The specific objectives were; to assess factors influencing utilization of MTCT of HIV in Uganda and to examine the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing utilization of MTCT. The study used data collected from the questionnaires that were sent to pregnant mothers attending antenatal services at nyimbwa health center in Luwero district. Data was then analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate methods. The multivariate analysis was carried out using logistic regression model to establish the factors associated with MTCT utilization. From the study, education is a significant influencing factor in utilization of MTCT services in Uganda. The more educated a woman the more utilization of MTCT services. It is therefore recommended that programmes and policies that intend to educate and inform women should be enacted and strengthened for implementation. This will help to increase on their knowledge and change attitude in the utilization of MTCT services thus protecting and improving the lives of the newly born babies and their mothers. The study recommends the government of Uganda to distribute services like health facilities equally in all regions of Uganda so that mothers in disadvantaged areas can access services of MTCT thus increasing its utilization. Testing during antenatal should be emphasized and extended at the grass root through village health teams(VHT) to counsel and test mothers who do not attend antenatal care and those who decide to deliver in their homes due to fear of rude behaviors of health workers.