Image of Knowledge and attitudes about HIV infection and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in an urban, low income community in Durban, South Africa: Perspectives of residents and health care volunteers

HIV & AIDS

Knowledge and attitudes about HIV infection and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in an urban, low income community in Durban, South Africa: Perspectives of residents and health care volunteers

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Background: HIV prevalence is high among South African women of reproductive age and
transmission of HIV from mothers to children is a concern. This study ascertained the level
of knowledge about HIV infection and prevention, particularly prevention of mother to
child transmission (PMTCT) amongst South African women from a low income community.
It also established the challenges in delivering HIV education from the perspectives of
health care volunteers.
Method: Female residents (n ¼ 67) from Kenneth Gardens, a low income community in
Durban, South Africa were interviewed. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted
with 12 health care volunteers who were either health care workers or residents
who provided some form of social support in the community.
Results: Themajorityof respondents indicatedthatamothercouldtransmitHIVtoher childbut
wereunable tospecifyhow.ManywomenhadgeneralHIV/AIDS knowledgebutwereunable to
identify essential prevention behaviours and were not very receptive to more information on
HIV/AIDS. Theywere supportive of routine testing procedures and child bearing amongst HIV
positive women. Health care volunteers indicated a need for a community clinic in the area.
They also had limited knowledge of PMTCT and indicated that there was a need for more education
on HIV, particularly to encourage the youth andmen to use preventativemeasures.
Conclusion: Innovative ways to impart knowledge particularly of PMTCT and updated
standards of practice are essential. It is important that the community understands how
transmission occurs so that prevention can follow.

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: ELSEVIER B.V..,
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Language
English
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Subject(s)
AIDS HIV knowledge HIV transmission PMTCT
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Article
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