Factors contributing to mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV at Sehego Zone Clinics, Capricorn District in South Africa

Abstract

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains the most prevalent source of pediatric HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV is especially high among South African women of reproductive age and transmission of HIV from mothers to children is a significant concern. This study investigated the contributing factors that increase the MTCT of HIV in Seshego Zone Clinics.The study adopted a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory design, wherein eighteen semi structured interviews were conducted among female nurses who were purposively sampled from four clinics in Seshego. Clinics ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study. The collected data were analyzed using Teschs‟ method of data analysis and presented in themes and subthemes. All measures of trustworthiness of findings were ensured. The study revealed that poor socio economic status, traditional beliefs, religious and lack of knowledge among patients, were major contributory factors to the increase in MTCT of HIV. However, the study indicated that the nurses‟ knowledge about MTCT and HIV is high. Therefore, the study concluded that the patient related the contributing factors further high prevalence of MTCTC of HIV. The study therefore recommended the community health awareness campaigns be implemented to empower women to cast away their beliefs to promote PMTCT.