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Factors influencing access and utilization of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Sudan


Document type: mthesis
Download file(s): 455714 (847 KB)
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Access and utilization of Prevention of Mother to child transmission services by the pregnant women in Sudan is very low. OBJECTIVE: To explore and analyze the factors that influence access and utilization of PMTCT services by pregnant women (including those in high risk groups) in Sudan. METHOD: The Andersen model of health seeking behaviour was adopted and used as a guide for the literature review. FINDINGS: Socio-cultural factors and health care system factors are more likely to influence the access and use of the PMTCT services. Pregnant women who were younger, lowly educated, living in rural areas and suffering from gender inequalities are less likely to access and use PMTCT services. Furthermore, staff shortage, lack of supplies, lack of confidentiality, limited information, HIV-related stigma and gaps identified in current national PMTCT policy are likely associated with low access and use of the PMTCT services. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Socio-cultural and health system factors are important barriers to access and utilization of PMTCT services in Sudan. It requires raising community awareness about PMTCT, HIV and AIDS. Further research to identify factors influencing access and use of PMTCT services in Sudan should be carried out. Also, there is a need to integrate PMTCT services into existing sexual reproductive health services, particularly in high HIV prevalence areas. Finally, broadening the focus of PMTCT services to provide the full range of comprehensive PMTCT approach with supportive policy in place will be beneficial.
Authors: Idris, A.K.M.
Country: Sudan
Category: Research
Department: Development, Policy and Practice
Institute: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Keywords: disease prevention and control , health services , HIV and AIDS , maternal and child health , reproductive health
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Organization: VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
PAGE: x, 48
Place: Amsterdam
Publisher: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year: 2012
Region: North Africa
Right: © 2012 Idris
Subject: Health and Nutrition
Title: Factors influencing access and utilization of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Sudan
Training: Master of Public Health