The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66515

Yi-Kyoung Lee, MS¹, Grace S Marquis, PhD¹, and Anna Lartey, PhD². (1) Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, 1127 Human Nutritional Sciences Building, Ames, IA 50011, (2) Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

HIV/AIDS is a serious health problem for Ghanaian women of reproductive age, yet there is little information on their views regarding mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The specific study aim was to examine Ghanaian pregnant women’s knowledge and attitudes about MTCT and prenatal VCT. Using a structured questionnaire, we interviewed a systematic sample of 403 women attending antenatal services at two polyclinics in Accra. Less than 3% spontaneously mentioned MTCT as an HIV transmission route. When prompted, the majority of mothers agreed that the virus could be transmitted during pregnancy (94%), delivery (91%) and breastfeeding (86%). Most participants (84%) believed that an HIV-positive pregnant woman would always infect her unborn baby. Also, 40% of participants indicated that MTCT could not be reduced and another 14% did not know how to curtail MTCT. Even though 87% believed that prenatal HIV testing should be mandatory, only 28% intended to be tested. Those who did not know how to prevent MTCT were less likely to plan for VCT (p<.05). Most women indicated that they would be tested if the health care professional requested it. About 61% and 35% of participants indicated that prenatal HIV testing could cause emotional distress and stigmatization, respectively. This study demonstrates the important role health care professionals have on pregnant women’s intention to participate in prenatal VCT. Educational efforts must be intensified to rectify the misconception regarding MTCT and to raise the positive attitudes toward prenatal VCT as a mode of prevention of MTCT.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the learner in this session will be able to: 1.Describe the role of knowledge and attitudes on Ghanaian pregnant women’s intentions to participate in VCT
• Articulate at least two socio-cultural determinants of positive intention to participate in VCT

Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Pregnancy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.