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@article{205039,
        author = {Akinwale Emmanuel Adebayo and David Ishaleku and Edward Agbo Omudu},
        title = {Awareness, Knowledge, and Utilization of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Abuja, Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {7081-7091},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205039},
        abstract = {Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services are a key public health strategy aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite significant expansion of PMTCT programmes in Nigeria, gaps remain between awareness, comprehensive knowledge, and sustained utilisation of services across the continuum of care. In particular, limited understanding of postnatal PMTCT components such as infant prophylaxis, early infant diagnosis, and lifelong antiretroviral therapy adherence continues to undermine optimal service uptake. This study assessed awareness, knowledge gaps, and determinants of PMTCT service utilisation among pregnant and postpartum women in Abuja, Nigeria.
Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted among 391 pregnant and postpartum women attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in selected healthcare facilities in Abuja. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at p < 0.05. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants and analysed thematically. Findings from both components were integrated during interpretation.
Results: Awareness of PMTCT services was high (93.4%), with most respondents recognising the importance of HIV testing during pregnancy (95.1%). However, notable knowledge gaps were observed regarding early infant diagnosis (46.3%), postnatal PMTCT care (49.6%), and infant prophylaxis (52.4%). PMTCT utilisation was significantly associated with educational level, marital status, monthly income, age, and antenatal care attendance (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed that trust in healthcare workers facilitated service uptake, but understanding of PMTCT beyond antenatal HIV testing remained limited. Socioeconomic constraints and weak postnatal engagement further affected continuity of care.
Conclusion: Although awareness of PMTCT services is high among women in Abuja, significant knowledge gaps and socioeconomic barriers hinder full utilisation of services across the PMTCT continuum. Strengthening maternal health education and postnatal follow-up systems is essential to improve PMTCT outcomes and reduce vertical HIV transmission in Nigeria.},
        keywords = {Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, service utilisation, knowledge gaps, Nigeria.},
        month = {June},
        }