Knowledge of women on receiving antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Muleba district in Kagera, Tanzania

This paper discusses the knowledge of women attending an antenatal clinic about receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child among those care. It examines women's knowledge of HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and mothers’ knowledge concerning ART. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a sample of sixty (60) respondents and analysed. The results indicated that the participants knew about HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, symptoms, effects, treatment and preventive measures. The respondents also knew about ART from sources of information and testified to receiving it once they became aware of it. It was found that most people were receiving ART. The current HIV status and type of assistance from individuals and institutions are indicated, as well as those receiving ART to reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child. It was recommended that the community should be sensitized about HIV/AIDS with regard to changing their behaviour, and that clinics should be made user-friendly so as to make women living with HIV/AIDS more aware of the benefits of receiving ART. Thus, different institutions should assist women receiving ART in meeting their needs, as well as supporting them to earn an income to meet their financial needs.