Knowledge, Practices and Attitude of Pregnant Women on Prevention and Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and C With Respect to Educational Level among Pregnant Women Visiting Health Centers at the Mifi Health District in Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) , hepatitis C virus are causes of significant morbidity and mortality across the World .HIV and HBV&HCV are blood-borne viruses transmitted usually through sexual contact and use of unsterilized needles. Their similar means of transmission increases the risk of contracting both infections concurrently. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, practices and attitude of pregnant women on prevention and transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C with respect to educational level at the Mifi health district. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross sectional study involving pregnant women who visited different health centers with the Mifi health district between the month of January to june 2023. Sampling was done by convenience Data was analysed using version 20.0. and the data was presented in tables and bar graphs, meanwhile the pearson chi square test was used to compare variables under investigation at a confidence interval of 95%, providing a 5% error margin. Descriptive values were expressed as the frequency, percentage, and mean ± standard deviation (SD). Findings: Out of the 467 participants, 80.73% were within the poor knowledge range whereas 12.63% showed good knowledge (while 6.63 recorded excellent knowledge scores. 44.96% were within the poor practice range while 55.03% showed good practice. majority showed poor attitude toward transmission and prevention of HIV, HBV and HCV as only 18(3.85%) were willing to meet the doctor if they were diagnosed of any of the above mention infections meaning 449 (96.14%) will embrace fear and sadness. Majority of pregnant women in this study had good knowledge regarding prevention and transmission of HIV,HBV and. Irrespective of the knowledge, practices and attitude of the participants were generally poor at the Mifi health district in Cameroon. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research have come to set standard in health facilities in the mifi health district by proving beyond doubt that pregnant women are co infected with both HIV,HBV, and HCV and giving the poor attitude and  practices among women that fuel the transmissions of these infections, we stand to advocate that all women presenting for ANC, should be compulsorily tested for HIV,HBV and HCV and equally much education on the transmission mode of these infections by the nurses should be implemented. This study have saved as an eye opener to policy makers to impost the testing of HIV, HBV and HCV during every first ANC visit and possibly two weeks before delivery.