EC Paediatrics

Background: HIV is a global public health issue. One way of transmission is through mother to child. Maternal and infant factors such as high maternal viral load, presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during pregnancy, prolonged duration of membrane rupture, sex and weight of infant at birth among others can affect the transmission rate from mother to child.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence of HIV transmission among infants born to HIV positive mothers, identify the factors associated with HIV transmission and preventive measures used by nurses in two hospitals in Tiko Health District, Fako Division.

Methods: The study used a retrospective study design, which reviewed files registered over a period of three years in the district hospital and cottage hospital in Tiko randomly selected for the study. Secondary data was obtained from antenatal clinic cards (ANC) cards, delivery files, delivery registers, infants follow up records from the two hospitals. The study was conducted from the 22^nd of April 2022 to the 28^th June 2022. The files of all HIV positive women who gave birth in these health facilities during the period of 1^st January 2018 to 31^st December 2020 were studied. Using a checklist, data was collected on maternal age, marital status, occupation, residence, first ANC visit, and time of maternal HIV diagnosis among others. Data was tested by means of logistic regression analysis.

Results: The results of this study revealed a mother to child transmission (MTCT) rate of 7.14%. Maternal factors such as frequency of ANC attendance, late attendance to ANC, late maternal HIV diagnosis and maternal non-adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs influenced this transmission rate. Infant factors such as mixed feeding, baby on ARV for not up to six weeks and poor immunisation status were not significantly associated with MTCT transmission of HIV. Seventy-five (100%) of the infants were given post exposure prophylaxis during each visit as a preventive measure.

Conclusion: The MTCT rate of HIV in Tiko Health District was 7.14.0% which is still a public health concern. Regular ANC attendance and early booking, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), counseling mothers on safe infant feeding mode and proper follow up of mothers during pregnancy and even after delivery will go a long way to reduce MTCT of HIV in Tiko Health District.

 Keywords: MTCT Rate of HIV; PMTCT Tiko Health District; Associated Factors; Preventive Strategies; Nurses

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