Knowledge and Awareness regarding HIV/AIDS Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment among Pregnant Women of Belagavi city, Karnataka, India
Journal Title: Healthline - Year 2016, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, there were 35 million people living with HIV, in 2013. According to the HIV estimates in the year 2015, number of people living with HIV/AIDS in India was 21.17 lakh. Pregnant mothers having HIV have additional risk of transmitting infection to offspring. Knowledge about correct practices for HIV can substantially reduce risk of HIV transmission and improve compliance to medicine. Present study tries to assess awareness and misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Urban Health Centre in Karnataka. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 400 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at urban health centre, Ramnagar of Belgaum city. Data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: Most of pregnant women (95%) were in the age group of 19-29 years; with 56% Muslims and 43% educated up to secondary level. All 400 pregnant women had heard about HIV/AIDS. Anganwadi/ ASHA/ Health worker (53%) were among the most common source of information. Knowledge about the different modes of transmission by unprotected sex (88%), untested blood transfusion (68%), sharing of infected needle (83%) and mother to child transmission were (82%).Similarly, misconceptions regarding sharing food, clothes and handshake (5%), mosquito bile (10%) and houseflies (2.5%) were also present in pregnant women. 72% women knew about free testing at government institutions while only 42% knew about ICTC centres and 33% knew about PPTCT services. Knowledge regarding prevention of HIV through blood testing before transfusion and avoiding multiple partners was significantly associated with socio economic status. Conclusion: There is increased awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS in pregnant women. Health workers/ASHAs/Anganwadi workers are the major source of information for pregnant mother. Yet there are misconceptions which are present in pregnant mothers. Further focus needs to be given to develop appropriate communication strategy for pregnant mothers for improving knowledge and practices related to HIV/AIDS transmission prevention.
Authors and Affiliations
Jignesh Parmar, Apurva N. Ratnu, Shailesh Sutariya, Devesh Tripathi, Girija Ashtagi, Mubashir Angolkar
Keywords
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