Challenges in Efficiently using HIV Services to Prevent Mother-to-child Transmission among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Gauteng Province

Abstract

Introduction: Despite tremendous success in improving the availability of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) programs, major impediments to its usage and adherence to these services continue to exist among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Even though these services are available and promoted, pregnant women and breastfeeding women face various challenges in accessing and utilizing them. Aim: The study aimed to describe Challenges in efficiently using HIV services to prevent mother-to-child transmission among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gauteng province. Methods: This study adopted a quantitative study design with a cross-sectional approach. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess 681 pregnant and breastfeeding women. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Using STATA 15.0, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between various demographic characteristics and knowledge of barriers to EMTCT service utilization. Results: More than 432 (64%) of respondents were aware of EMTCT services, and just 279 (41%) reported having a poor understanding of the service. This implies that even though awareness of EMTCT services is relatively high, the depth of understanding is inadequate. Barriers that contributed to poor EMTCT utilization were transport costs to the facility, staff attitude, and long waiting times. Notably, hurdles included high transportation costs, long wait times, and poor knowledge about EMTCT benefits and staff attitude. Conclusion: To fully realize the budding of EMTCT services as an effective HIV prevention strategy for pregnant women and breastfeeding women, continual efforts must be made to remove barriers and enhance patient knowledge.