Healthcare workers’ perspectives on availability and accessibility of the prevention of motherto- child-transmission programme in North West province, South Africa
Habedi, Debbie SK
Background: Despite the availability of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services, many factors and reasons prevent mothers from accessing these services.
HIV prevalence is still high among South African women of reproductive age and mother-to-child-transmission
(MTCT) is a concern. This study ascertained the perspectives of healthcare workers regarding availability and
accessibility of the PMTCT programme.
Objective: To explore and describe the perspectives of healthcare workers regarding availability and accessibility of
the PMTCT programme.
Method: Qualitative research with exploratory-descriptive design was utilised. Data were collected from 21
healthcare workers using three focus-group discussions. The participants were selected based on rendering the
PMTCT programme services for more than two years. Moreover, the participants had undergone training, formal
education and continuous support on the PMTCT programme. Three large clinics were selected as the main
clusters of the sub-district. Tesch’s method was used to analyse the qualitative data.
Results: Healthcare workers indicated ineffective utilisation of the PMTCT programme services by HIV-positive
pregnant women. Most women had challenges with child feeding owing to limited knowledge. Another challenge
indicated by healthcare workers was lack of resources. It is important that recommendations be implemented to
assist with availability and accessibility of the PMTCT programme.
Conclusion: Availability and accessibility of PMTCT programme services are still problematic. The study has the
potential to inform development of strategies that may facilitate access to care for PMTCT programme clients.
https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2019.1676803; https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2019.1676803
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