Determinants of HIV Transmission to Infants among Women on PMTCT Program in Mashonaland East Province

Abstract

The study was conducted to establish the factors associated with HIV transmission amongst infants born to HIV positive mothers in Mashonaland East Province. A cross-sectional analytical comparative design was used. Respondents were HIV positive mothers whose infants tested HIV positive/negative after six weeks within the four selected districts UMP, Murehwa, Marondera and Mudzi. ANC registers were used to identify the participants. A total 573 records were entered into Epi Info and 555 records were considered for analysis. Of those included 173 (31.2%) transmitted the virus to the child whilst 382 (68.8%) did not. As for results, booking early for ANC reduced the risk of HIV transmission to the unborn baby. Testing during pregnancy had less risk of infection to unborn babies than testing after pregnancy. Home deliveries were more likely to transmit the virus to the baby compared to institutional deliveries. Testing for HIV in less than 6 weeks had less risk of transmitting the virus to the baby than those who didn't. Taking PMTCT prophylaxis during pregnancy had less risk of transmitting the virus to the baby than not. Mothers on exclusive breastfeeding had less chances of transmitting HIV to their babies compared to those not.