Assessing the knowledge-attitude-practice gap in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant and lactating women: a cross-sectional study in Musoma Municipality, Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The transmission of HIV from mother to child remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Although previous studies have shown high levels of awareness and knowledge among women, significant gaps persist between knowledge and the consistent adoption of preventive practices to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. This study aimed to assess the knowledge-practice gap in PMTCT among pregnant and lactating women in Musoma Municipality, Tanzania, regardless of HIV status, and to explore sociodemographic factors influencing this gap. also considered the role of attitudes as a potential intermediary between knowledge and practice.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled 200 women (100 pregnant, 100 lactating) through systematic sampling at Musoma Municipal Hospital (Jan-Jul 2024). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square/Fisher's tests, and binary logistic regression (unadjusted odds ratios with 95% CI) in R-4.3.0 to determine factors affecting HIV prevention practices and attitudes.

Results

While 98% demonstrated excellent HIV knowledge and 100% awareness, only 68% showed good preventive practices. Positive attitudes were held by 67% of participants. Women of older age (mean 30 vs. 27 years; p = 0.04) and Protestant participants (OR = 2.84, p = 0.04) were positively associated with better practices. Primiparous women were less likely to engage in preventive behaviors (OR = 0.26, p = 0.05). Although the Simbiti ethnic group showed a lower likelihood of engagement (OR = 0.24, p = 0.06), this result should be interpreted cautiously due to the very small sample size (n = 8) and wide confidence interval.

Conclusion

This study found that while older women and those affiliated with the Protestant faith were more likely to adopt PMTCT practices, a persistent knowledge-practice gap remained. Primiparous women and members of the Simbiti ethnic group were less likely to engage in preventive behaviors, underscoring the need for age-sensitive, culturally tailored, and community-based interventions to strengthen PMTCT efforts in Tanzania.

SUBMITTER: Saad SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12801532 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature