A survey of awareness and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in pregnant women attending Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge and awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among women attending the antenatal clinic. Methods and Subjects: This was primarily a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the antenatal clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria from July 1st, 2010 to October 31st, 2010. Results: The age range of the respondents was 18 - 41 years, (mean 29 ± 5 years). One hundred and forty-nine (92.5%) were married. All the respondents interviewed were aware of HIV/AIDS and 93 (57.8%) had been aware of the disease for ≥5 years. The main sources of information were television 93 (57.8%), radio 77 (47.8%), health workers 53 (32.9%), friends, relatives and neighbors 41 (25.5%) and posters 34 (21.1%). Majority of the respondents identified sexual intercourse as a route of transmission of HIV.