Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global public health crisis with sub Saharan Africa having a disproportionately high burden of the epidemic. Women and children in many settings experienced high rates of new infection, HIV related illnesses, and deaths. High rate of infection among women reflected directly on children. This study aimed at assessing the acceptance of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV among pregnant women in Ogbomosho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. It cuts across tertiary, secondary and primary health care in order to ensure appropriate representation of pregnant women attending different categories of health facilities. The instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire. Of the 300 pregnant women assessed, more than 50% of the respondent (n=184, 61.3%) had a high knowledge of PMTCT. Majority (89.0%) were willing to accept PMTCT measures if they are positive. There was a significant association between knowledge of PMTCT and acceptability of PMTCT of HIV measures (2:12.34, p-value 0.002). There was no significant association between antenatal location and acceptability of PMTCT (2:0.69, p-value 0.71). The study revealed that majority of the respondents had high knowledge of PMTCT and were willing to accept PMTCT measures if they are HIV positive. This underlines the necessity for improved availability of PMTCT services. The inclusion of health education on PMTCT during antenatal visits will improve pregnant women’s knowledge of PMTCT.

Key words: Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), acceptance of PMTCT, knowledge of PMTCT, HIV, pregnant women.