Knowledge of antiretrovirals in preventing parentto-child-transmission of HIV: a cross-sectional study among women living with HIV in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: India is amongst the top 10 countries in the world currently with the highest burdenof pregnant women living with HIV and nearly 80% of these women do not receive antiretroviral(‎ARV)‎ drugs to prevent parent-to-child transmission (‎PTCT)‎ of HIV. The aim of this study wasto estimate HIV-infected women’s awareness on PTCT and knowledge of ARVs as a measure toprevent PTCT.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study in which a total of 986 women with HIVaged 18 years and above were interviewed in 13 high HIV prevalence districts of Tamil Nadu, SouthIndia. Data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate methods.Results: Nearly one fifth (‎18.8%)‎ of the women with HIV had not heard of PTCT and 40% didnot know that ARVs could prevent PTCT. In addition, 39.3% were not aware of the timing of PTCT;50.4% reported intrauterine and intrapartum and 13.7% mentioned breastfeeding period as thepossible timings of PTCT of HIV. Multivariate analysis showed that single/never married womenhad lower knowledge of PTCT. Also, those who had undergone a prior training on reproductive andchild health (‎RCH)‎ and those who discussed RCH issues with their partners were more likely tohave higher knowledge.Conclusion: Considering the risk of HIV transmission from HIV-infected women to their children,the knowledge level of PTCT among them is low. Appropriate strategies to generate awarenessamong women with HIV need be introduced to help them make informed decisions