Prevalence of HIV/AIDS Among Pregnant Mothers Aged 18 – 49 Years Attending Antenatal Clinic At Mukono Health Centre IV.

Abstract

Background: 

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious threat to social and economic development around the world. Uganda’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has shot up from 6.4% in 2005 to 7.3% whereas in pregnant mothers of all ages is at 6.1%. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Mukono district in Uganda worries leaders, and according to the local newspaper, the general prevalence in this area is  said to be 9%. No study has documented the prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mukono Health centre IV.

Methods:

The study took place at Mukono HCIV which is found in Mukono municipal council Mukono district on Kampala - Jinja road. The design was cross-sectional using both quantitative and qualitative methods where the pregnant mothers between the ages 18-49yrs were involved in the study at the antenatal clinic using the methods that are provided for their inclusion and exclusion study purposes. The data was summarized in form of bar graphs, pie charts, and tables using Microsoft excel program and SPSS.

Results: 

The general prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women who sought ANC in Mukono Health Centre IV was 7 %. The research indicated that the majority of the pregnant women n=88, were in the age group of 25-31 years 49 (55.7%), 31(35.2%) had attained a secondary level of education while 30(34.1%) had attained a tertiary level of education.

Conclusion and recommendation:

Positive mothers should get access to psychological support hence enhancing the utilization of VCT by the mothers. Men's involvement is necessary and they need to be encouraged and sensitized from the communities to accompany their partners to the clinic and attend counselling sessions, this is to help equip them both with the necessary information on PMTCT.