Abstract:
A cross sectional survey study was undertaken in Mtwara rural district during June
2005, to determine the Knowledge of MTCT of HIV and perceived barriers of
participating in MCH care among Men.
Studies have shown that there is lack of men's participation m MCH and PMTCT
services, limiting women's uptake of PMTCT services. As PMTCT has just been
introduced in Mtwara rural district, this study therefore aimed to find out what men
know about MTCT and the barriers that prevents them to participate in MCH services.
The findings provide baseline information that will help to design ways to increase
men's participation during scaling up of PMTCT.
Multistage cluster sampling was used to select Wards, Villages, and Streets. A total of
396 men were interviewed, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect
data, and then analysis was done using Epi Info 6.04 version computer program.
The study results indicated that 38.4 % have high level of MTCT knowledge, 45.5%
moderate level and 16.2% poor knowledge. Men with some education scored higher
level of MTCT knowledge than men with no education (p = 0.002). Most of the
respondents (90.2%) are willing to support PMTCT strategies if pregnant partner is
found to be HIV positive. Willingness to support was found to be high in men with some
education than in men with no education (p = 0.001).
