HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge And Attitudes Of Pregnant Women In Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has become a global health challenge and, with no cure presently, prevention is the only available option in combating it. The aim of the study was to determine
the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards HIV/AIDS. A total of 200 consecutive women coming for antenatal care had a structured interview about the risk factors for HIV/AIDS. While most of the women (91%) were aware of HIV/AIDS, and that it could be transmitted sexually (95.6%) and through infected blood (57.7%), knowledge of its transmission through breast milk (36.8%) and mother-to-child (27.5%) was poor. Overall, 95.6% of the women would not
want to stay in the same house with an AIDS patient and, 92.3% would not care for a relative with AIDS. It is suggested that health talks, such as during antenatal visits, should focus on all the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitude, Nigerian women.