Factors Affecting Utilization of PMTCT Among Mothers of Reproductive Age Attending Antenatal Clinic at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.

Abstract

The study was about factors affecting utilization of PMTCT among mothers of reproductive age attending antenatal clinic at Mbale regional referral hospital. The study adopted a crosssectional research design where both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data on a sample size of 138 respondents selected using non- probability sampling method. Data collected by use of structured face to face interviews with mothers during the visit to the hospital was summarized and analyzed using excel and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences. The study established that the major knowledge related factors affecting utilization of PMTCT services were lack of knowledge on comprehensive voluntary testing and counseling services, knowledge of HIV status is vital in order that pregnant women access the appropriate treatment and care for themselves and their unborn infants as well as mother's knowledge of her infant's HIV status determine whether infants are tested for HIV in PMTCT programmes. The major facility related factors were that limited care, PMTCT and other services affect utilization of PMTCT services, attitude of health workers is one of the factors affecting utilization of PMTCT services, adequate training of health workers, number of health workers, limited availability of services as well as limited availability of drugs affects utilization of PMTCT services in health facilities. The individual related factors included; lack of a clear understanding on the PMTCT programmes by mother affect the utilization of PMTCT services; HIV/AIDS stigmatization also affect utilization of PMTCT services in the facility as well as the fact that self-disclosure is one of the major factors affecting utilization of PMTCT services among mothers of reproductive age. The study recommended that; the public especially in rural areas should be sensitized to increase awareness about the benefit of effective utilization of PMTCT services, more health workers need to be trained in how to handle PMTCT cases especially in handling positive pregnant mothers on PMTCT programme, the government should invest highly in training of health personnel, equipping of the hospitals with enough drugs as well as employing of enough medical workers, there is need to develop monitoring and referral structures to promote follow-up and complement already existing PMTCT services and interventions by the government and None Government Organizations to promote the use of PMTCT services should involve all stakeholders including health workers, families, and communities.