The knowledge of health workers on the available interventions for elimination of mother-to-child transmission in selected health centers in Otuke district. A cross-sectional study.

Ronald Ogwang; Tom Richard Okello; Ronald Awoi

doi:10.70572/agp.v3i6.13

Authors

Ronald Ogwang FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
Dr. Tom Richard Okello FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
Ronald Awoi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i6.13

Keywords:

Health Workers, Knowledge on HIV Prevention, first PCR Timing, breastfeeding duration, Otuke District, Uganda

Abstract

Background:
Effective elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) depends largely on the knowledge and competence of health workers who implement prevention strategies. This study assessed the knowledge of health workers regarding available interventions for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in selected health centers in Otuke District, Uganda.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among health workers in Orum Health Center IV, Aliwang Health Center III, and Okwongo Health Center III. A sample of 44 health workers, including nurses, midwives, clinical officers, doctors, and nurse aides, was selected using probability sampling techniques. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and STATA software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.

Results:

The majority of respondents were nurses (52.5%) and had worked for 6–10 years (52.5%). Although all respondents (100%) correctly defined eMTCT, knowledge of key interventions was inadequate. Only 37.5% correctly identified the current Option B+/Treat-All guideline, while 60% knew that antiretroviral therapy should be initiated immediately in HIV-positive pregnant women. Only 22.5% correctly identified the recommended timing of the first PCR test in HIV-exposed infants. Knowledge regarding HIV transmission during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and delivery was 75%, 55%, and 45%, respectively. Furthermore, only 45% knew the recommended breastfeeding duration for HIV-positive mothers.

Conclusion:

Health workers in the selected health facilities demonstrated inadequate knowledge of critical eMTCT interventions despite high awareness of the existence of national guidelines.

Recommendations:
Regular pre-service and in-service training, continuous medical education, and refresher courses on current eMTCT guidelines should be provided to all health workers, particularly newly recruited staff, to improve knowledge and strengthen eMTCT implementation.

Author Biographies

Ronald Ogwang, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

is a student of the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University.

Dr. Tom Richard Okello, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

is a research supervisor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University

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