Correlates of women's knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention in Tanzania: A population-based study

Zelalem T. Haile, Asli K. Teweldeberhan, Ilana R.A. Chertok

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies that explored women's knowledge on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and its prevention (PMTCT) in the general population are currently lacking. This paper examined factors associated with having adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV and PMTCT among a nationally representative sample of women in Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis including 10,299 women from the 2011-2012 Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey. The outcome of interest was the presence of adequate knowledge on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with having adequate knowledge on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV. Results revealed that the overall prevalence of having adequate knowledge on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV was low (46%). We found a statistically significant difference in the proportions of having adequate knowledge between HIV-negative and HIV-positive women (45% vs. 56%; p <.0001), although knowledge of the transplacental route of transmission did not differ by HIV serostatus. Overall, having adequate knowledge on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV was positively associated with experiencing at least one pregnancy, having some education, having higher household wealth, residing in urban area, being exposed to HIV education, having tested for HIV, knowing a place to get HIV test, and having comprehensive knowledge on HIV and AIDS. Among HIV-seropositive women, experiencing at least one pregnancy and having comprehensive knowledge on HIV and AIDS were strongly associated with having adequate knowledge on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV (Adjusted odds ratio: aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.21, 6.37 and aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15, 2.73, respectively). Further efforts are needed to enhance HIV/AIDS education among women of childbearing age and strengthen PMTCT services in Tanzania.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-78
Number of pages9
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HIV
  • PMTCT
  • Tanzania
  • knowledge on MTCT
  • women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Correlates of women's knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention in Tanzania: A population-based study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this