Knowledge Gaps and Health Education Needs in the Utilisation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services among Antenatal Women in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State

Abstract

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS remains a major maternal and child health priority because effective prevention depends not only on service availability but also on women’s knowledge, attitudes, support systems and use of antenatal services. In Nigeria, gaps in PMTCT utilisation persist despite the expansion of antenatal and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention services. This study examined knowledge gaps and health education needs in the utilisation of PMTCT services among antenatal women in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study involved 163 antenatal women selected from health facilities in Udu LGA. Data were collected using the Questionnaire on Awareness and Utilisation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State (QAUPMCTHA). Data were analysed using frequency, percentage and chi-square statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that overall awareness of PMTCT was almost evenly divided, with 50.0% of respondents’ aware and 50.0% not aware. However, important knowledge gaps were identified. A majority of respondents were unaware of when treatment should begin to prevent transmission, while more than half did not understand the role of antenatal care in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Chi-square results showed significant relationships between PMTCT service utilisation and awareness, healthcare-provider attitude and partner support. The study concludes that PMTCT utilisation in Udu LGA requires more than general awareness. Targeted antenatal health education should emphasise early treatment initiation, the preventive role of antenatal care, respectful provider-client communication and male partner involvement.