Knowledge; Attitudes and Practices of Women Regarding the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme at the Vanguard Community Health Centre; Western Cape - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

Objective.The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge; attitudes and practices of women regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme at a community health centre (CHC). Method. A descriptive study was conducted using an administered; structured questionnaire.Subjects and setting. Thirty-six educated women aged 18 - 39 years and attending the clinic took part.Participants were from informal settlements and mostly unemployed; receiving government grants.Results. The majority (88.9) scored 80or more with regard to general HIV knowledge. Although the majority (78) were formula feeding; primarily owing to their HIV status and convenience while working; 24would not be able to sustain this feeding method after the initial 6 months' free supply provided by the provincial health services. The majority could not define the terms exclusive breastfeeding (89); mixed feeding (81) or cup feeding (94) correctly. Attitudes were found to be positive with regard to both breastfeeding and formula feeding; but HIV status influenced it significantly ( p 0.1). Conclusion. In conclusion; certain aspects of the PMTCT programme appear to have been effective at the CHC included in this study. The women were knowledgeable about HIV transmission and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT); but they were uninformed about certain essential aspects; i.e. prevention; cure and infant feeding.Attitudes were similar towards breastmilk or formula milk as a feeding choice but were influenced by HIV status. It was indicated that an informed decision-making process was not followed; rather that the women were advised to formula feed. Sustainability of formula feeding after 6 months and training of health workers specifically regarding feeding options need to be addresse