Abstract:

Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains the major source of HIV infection in young children. Targeting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics provides a unique opportunity for the implementing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs against HIV infection of newborn babies.

Objective: To identify factors affecting Knowledge of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Bungoma County Referral Hospital.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care clinic at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 50 respondents, using Fisher et al, 1999. The data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire prepared to address knowledge, and associated factors on PMTCT services. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Findings: A big number (40%) of the mothers did not know about PMTCT services which were being offered in the hospital. It was noted that the respondents who had little or no knowledge of the services were mostly below 25 years of age and those with low education levels. On the attitude towards PMTCT services it was found that (44%) reported that it is good to take on PMTCT services if reactive and (56%) of respondents reported that PMTCT services are wastage of time because AIDS has no cure.

Conclusion: The educational level was the most important factor in understanding PMCTC services

Recommendation: To improve and increase sensitization and awareness to the communities on what PMTCT program entails.

Keywords: Prevention of mother to child transmission, Human immunodeficiency virus, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Antenatal clinic.

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