Abstract:
Both qualitative and quantitative a cross- sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women those who attend antenatal clinic at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital on HIV/AIDS from 10th – 20th October 2013.
Data was taken from 100 pregnant women aged 18 -49 years, using a structured questionnaire translated in Dhivehi language. Descriptive statistics were done using MS Access and SPSS to describe the level of knowledge and attitude of pregnant women.
Findings of the study indicated high proportion (95.0%) of the respondents had at least some knowledge about the HIV/AIDS and levels of basic knowledge among them were high. However the knowledge on PMTCT services and HIV treatment were not adequate which had shown (84.0%) had not aware on PMTCT services and (74.0%) had not aware on HIV treatment. A large proportion (60.0%) of the respondents received HIV related information in the last 12 months and (40.0%) did not receive any information on HIV. Over half of the participants had obtained their knowledge from the health facilities while attending other services of hospital. Furthermore the 71.0% women said they had not screened during the last 12 months and 82.0% believed that they cannot refuse when doctor asks for HIV screening.
This finding highlighted that AIDS prevention programs need to improvement and they need to strengthen their BCC strategies. Also pregnant women should be given adequate information regarding PMTCT services including HIV testing and counseling. This will improve the knowledge of pregnant women on PMTCT of HIV/AIDS.
