Kigozi G; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeF5422.
Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of providing Nevirapine to HIV positive pregnant women to prevent MTCT of HIV, Rakai Uganda. METHODS: In an ongoing study, pregnant women (N=200) are identified in their homes through survey rounds. Interviews are conducted to assess KAPB on MTCT of HIV and the best way to deliver Nevirapine to mothers. RESULTS: Over 90% of the women say they would go for VCT from centers established at health units. Seventy seven percent would accept sharing their HIV results with their partners. About 37% think the community would stigmatize those using the centers. Only 40% reported a possibility of MTCT of HIV during pregnancy, 58% during delivery and only 19% during breast-feeding. Sixty one percent know that an HIV positive woman can give birth to an HIV negative baby. Only 29% had heard of any drug that can prevent MTCT of HIV and 11% know that women using Nevirapine can give birth to HIV infected babies. Over 80% felt that Nevirapine should be given to pregnant women who are HIV positive or do not know their HIV status. Over 91% thought Nevirapine should be accessed through Government Health Units. Over 80% thought their partners would allow them to use Nevirapine if found HIV positive. Sixty eight percent would not breast-feed their babies if it were a way of preventing MTCT. Only 46% thought their husbands would allow them not to breast-feed and 39% thought the community would not stigmatize them. If formula feeds were free of charge, 97% of women would not breast-feed and 87% would be allowed by their husbands not to breast-feed. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about MTCT and prevention of MTCT is still low in this community. Partner involvement is an important factor in establishing a system of providing Nevirapine to pregnant women. Stopping breast-feeding as a means of preventing MTCT of HIV would only be successful if free formula feed is provided. RECOMMENDATION: Health education should be a major component in prevention of MTCT of HIV.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS Vaccines
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
- Breast Feeding
- Culture
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Resources
- Humans
- Infant
- Knowledge
- Nevirapine
- Poverty
- Pregnancy
- Rural Population
- Uganda
- drug therapy
- methods
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102259872
From Meeting Abstracts