Publications

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and health-related factors affecting theutilization of Early Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) services among HIV/AIDSpregnant women at Karoli Lwangi Hospital in Rukungiri district. Data was collected from 97pregnant mothers with HIV/AIDS through questionnaires. The findings revealed that mostparticipants had a good understanding of HIV transmission routes, particularly frommother to child during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding. The majority were aware thatantiretroviral therapy (ARV) could prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) butdisagreed that using condoms could prevent it. The study also showed a high willingnessto separate from spouses if they tested positive for HIV and strong support for HIV-infectedmothers delivering with skilled health workers. However, a significant barrier to theutilization of EMTCT services was the unaffordability of healthcare costs. This suggeststhat despite positive attitudes and knowledge, financial constraints remain a criticalhindrance to EMTCT service utilization.