Abstract:
Prevention of maternal-to-child transmission of HIV(PMTCT) services is an effective strategy in the prevention of pediatric HIV/AIDS. Maternal-to-Child transmission of HIV (MTCT) is responsible for about 20% of all HIV transmissions and more than 90% of worldwide pediatric HIV. Lack of sufficient clinical resources, staff shortage, low level of knowledge and low satisfaction level are partly responsible for low utilization of PMTCT services which may affect the women’s compliance to treatment regimen. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for the conduct of this study with a mixed method for data collection (Structured interview and Focus Group Discussion). A stratified sampling technique was used to select the facilities while random selection was used to select the respondents across the three selected facilities (National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, Asokoro General Hospital) within the Abuja Metropolis. A total of 240 HIV positive pregnant women (15- 49years) were recruited. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 while the Focused Group Discussion was recorded and narrated. The result of the study revealed that the mean age of the women was 36.8 years. Only 15% of the respondents were satisfied with the quality of PMTCT services meaning there was low level of satisfaction. Also, 97.9% of the women utilized PMTCT services. There was high prevalence of utilization of PMTCT services despite so many barriers discouraging the mothers. The level of satisfaction was low due to waiting time, attitude of workers and hospital environment.
