Factors Associated with Access Barriers to Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immune Deficiency Virus Services in Private Hospitals in Enugu State, South East, Nigeria

Aims: This study was to ascertain the barriers in PMTCT Services in private tertiary health facilities in Enugu state, South-east Nigeria

Study Design: This was a facility-based analytical cross-sectional study among HIV positive nursing mothers who were accessing PMTCT services.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was at Ante natal clinic and post natal Clinics of Annunciation and Mother of Christ health facilities in Enugu state. The study was between February and July 2015.

Methodology: Questionnaires were used. Chi-square test was used for association between socio-demographic variables and experience of any access barrier. Multivariate analysis in form of logistic regression was done to for determinants of experience of any access barrier. Level of significance was determined at a p-value of ≤ 0.05

Results: Majority were aged 30-34 years 144(52.4%), attained secondary education 121(44.0%), were unemployed 108(39.3%), and had 1-2 babies 128(46.5%). The major barriers experienced were; cost of registration/transport 198(72.0%), Stigma and discrimination from friends/neighbours 123(44.7%) and being too busy with household chores 137(49.8%). There were statistically significant association between experience of barriers with educational level (χ2=8.572, p =0.036) and parity (χ2=6.451, p=0.040)

Conclusion: Almost all the study participants in this study experienced a form of barrier with major barriers. Parity and educational level influenced barriers to PMTCT care. There is need for educational empowerment and family planning for the desired goals of PMTCT services to be achieved.