Spatial distribution and determinants of the knowledge of reproductive age women about prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Ethiopia

  • Abebe Gedefaw Belete*
  • , Genanew Kassie Getahun
  • , Kedir Seid
  • , Chala Getaneh Jaleta
  • , Sintayehu Samuel Lorato
  • , Mitiku Desalegn
  • , Dawit Tesfaye Rundasa
  • , Yohannes Godie Ashebir
  • , Olyad Kuma Getahun
  • , Gebeyehu Lakew
  • , Mathewos Mekonnen Gemmechu
  • , Mulualem Endeshaw Zeleke
  • , Yibeltal Assefa Atalay
  • , Amlaku Nigusie Yirsaw
  • , Eyob Ketema Bogale
  • , Abiy Hailu Tikuneh
  • , Abas Ali Hassen
  • , Eyasu Alem Lake
  • , Tadesse Nigussie
  • , Manaye Yihune Teshale
  • Nigus Kabtu Belete*, Samuel Hailegebreal, Lovel Fornah, Abakundana Nsenga Ariston Gabriel, Mulugeta Shegaze Shimbre, Bushra Bibi, Fikiru Yigezu Jaleta
*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

IntroductionLimited knowledge about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV contributes to the high prevalence of pediatric HIV caused by vertical transmission. Given the lack of sufficient information, this study aimed to identify hotspot and cold spot areas as well as the factors influencing reproductive-age women's knowledge about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia.MethodThe study utilized data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, comprising a weighted sample of 15,683 reproductive-age women. Spatial analysis was conducted to identify significant clusters, and determinants were assessed using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.ResultSignificant hotspot regions were identified in Somali, Gambela, Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, the northern part of SNNP, and certain areas of Oromia. Key determinants included education level (primary: AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02-1.40; secondary: AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.08-1.85; higher: AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.52-3.25), religious affiliation (Muslim: AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.47-0.68; Protestant: AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.61-0.93; Other: AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.33-0.86), having an employed partner (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08-1.71), higher wealth index (rich: AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11-1.63), media exposure (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.12-1.57), antenatal care attendance (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.25-1.70), institutional childbirth (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01-1.37), urban living (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.83), residence in larger central regions (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.12-1.70), and living in communities with high media exposure (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.13-1.75).ConclusionIn Ethiopia, knowledge about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women of reproductive age varies significantly across regions. Therefore, implementing targeted interventions in the identified hotspot areas is essential to support the WHO's goal of eliminating new pediatric HIV infections by 2030.
Original languageEnglish
Article number8
Number of pages15
JournalAIDS Research and Therapy
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Dec 2025

Keywords

  • Knowledge
  • Spatial distribution
  • Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
  • PMTCT
  • Reproductive age women
  • Ethiopia
  • HEALTH

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