Knowledge and attitudes of women regarding mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection in the Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study determined the knowledge and attitudes of women regarding Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection. The study adopted the qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. Purposive sampling was used to select 35 mothers who participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and an interview guide. Tesch’s open coding method was used for data analysis. The study revealed that the majority of women had poor understanding of the meaning of MTCT and its importance. The study recommends that health education programmes on MTCT should be provided to enhance knowledge and understanding of MTCT of HIV infection. Media campaigns should be strengthened to encourage people to test for HIV.