Prior Knowledge and Antiretroviral Therapy Prophylaxis are Associated with Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana

Prior Knowledge and Antiretroviral Therapy Prophylaxis are Associated with Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Prior Knowledge and Antiretroviral Therapy Prophylaxis are Associated with Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Alfred Effah, Anthony Kwame Enimil, Ebenezer Senu, and 11 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Mother to child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), persists despite the availability of effective prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) strategies. In Ghana, there is limited data on prevalence and the associated factors of mother to child transmission of HIV existing. The PMTCT strategies in Ghana has not been evaluated. This study therefore assessed the prevalence, knowledge and factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Aninwaa medical Centre and fertility clinic from May 2023 to September 2023. A total of 103 women living with HIV and have ever given birth were sampled. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, knowledge and MTCT transmission rates among study participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0. p -values of < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered significant. Results: The prevalence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) was 21.4%. MTCT was more prevalent among the age group 36-45 years (50.0%), who had primary education (40.9%) and were married (63.6%) with 2-3 children (50.0%). In the logistic regression model, higher age groups 36- 45 (aOR: 20.1, 95% CI (1.45-278.87); p = 0.025), 46-55 (aOR: 18.33, 95% CI (1.03-325.57); p = 0.048) and 56-74 (aOR: 76.42, 95% CI (1.87-3131.45); p = 0.022) were independent predictors of MTCT. Moreover, mothers not knowing their HIV status prior to pregnancy (cOR=9.13) CI; (3.01-27.68), ( p < 0.001) and children not receiving ART prophylaxis (cOR=8.25), CI; (2.91-23.40), ( p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with MTCT. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of MTCT (21.4%) and is influenced by higher age group of 36-74 years, no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy as well as children who do not receive ART prophylaxis. This study’s findings call for an increased awareness on the knowledge of MTCT, availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for expectant mothers and enhanced HIV testing and treatment for women of reproductive age, including self-testing. HIV/AIDS Mother Child Transmission Antiretroviral therapy Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 INTRODUCTION Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women and children, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where infection rates are highest [1]. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to approximately two-thirds of the estimated over 39 million persons globally suffering from HIV/AIDS [2]. Although Ghana's incidence rates are lower than in other African nations, the disease remains a significant threat to the country's socioeconomic progress [1]. Mother-to-child transmission of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is the transfer of the virus from an HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding [3]. Women and girls accounted for more than half of the HIV-infected population (53.0%) worldwide while the infection is less prevalent in males [4]. In the absence of proper treatment, a pregnant woman living with HIV’s unborn child has a 25–45% chance of contracting the virus before or after delivery [5]. The HIV transmission rate during pregnancy is believed to be 5-10%, 10-15% during labor and delivery, and 5-20% while lactating or breastfeeding [6]. More than 90% of children were infected through Mother-To-Child Transmission, of which nearly 90% occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately half of them die before their second birthday if there is no appropriate treatment [7, 8]. Ghana has national MTCT of HIV at 8% [9]. There are several different factors that contribute to a higher risk of MTCT. It could be viral, maternal, placental, foetal conditions and the delivery procedure itself or a combination of these factors [5]. Poor maternal adherence, late pregnancy diagnosis, the rise of antiretroviral-resistant virus, and inability to provide effective and timely prophylaxis are among the variables linked to the MTCT of HIV [10]. Moreover, additional characteristics linked with MTCT of HIV were identified in previous researches in other country. These included lower maternal CD4 count (less than 350 cells/ cubic mm) at baseline, shorter duration of ART regimen, maternal age, and low newborn birth weight (less than 2500 g) [11]. The prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) plays a major role in limiting the number of children being infected by HIV. By implementing PMTCT program, the overall rate of MTCT can be reduced to less than 2% [12]. One of the most significant public health successes in recent years has been the expansion of HIV Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission [3]. PMTCT programs for HIV include antenatal HIV testing and counseling, preventing unwanted pregnancy, providing an appropriate ARV regimen for mothers and newborns, and advocating for safer baby feeding alternatives and practices. Ghana has deliberately put measures in place to achieve the zero new HIV infection objective. This is done through the integration of PMTCT into all levels of health care where intervention programs can be implemented to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, improve early case detection, improve treatment of those infected, as well as keep those who are HIV-negative uninfected [13]. Despite great success toward the country's goal of reducing new infections among children to less than 5%, more work remains to be done (Ghana, 2010, National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan: 2011–2015). Moreover, there is limited data on the implementation of PMTCT in Ghana. Knowledge on PMTCT among women living with HIV/AIDS has not been well explored. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and factors including knowledge levels of PMTCT among women living with HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Design A retrospective cross-sectional design was used to investigate the knowledge, prevalence and factors influencing the mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) receiving post-natal care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena-Kumasi, Ghana. Study Sites The research was carried out at the HIV clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi and the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena-Kumasi, Ghana. In the Ashanti region of Ghana, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves as the regional and teaching hospital. It is the region’s largest hospital and the only tertiary health institution, as well as Ghana's second-largest regional hospital. It serves as the primary referral hospital for the Ashanti region and beyond. The Aninwaa medical center, however, is a private hospital located at Emena, a suburb of Kumasi. Both hospitals have a well-resourced HIV/AIDS clinics where people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) are cared for making them necessary for the successful implementation of this study. Study population The study recruited women living with HIV/AIDS aged 18 years and above with completed medical records visiting the HIV clinics at the selected facilities. WLWH with incomplete medical records, who have not given birth before or without the HIV/AIDS status of the delivered children were excluded from the study. Sample Size Calculation The sample size for this study was obtained by the use of the Cochran formula using the standard normal variate at a 95% confidence interval of 1.96, estimated the prevalence of MTCT in Ghana in 2019 (7%) [14] and e is the margin of error = 0.05. To increase statistical power, 103 women living with HIV/AIDS were enrolled into the study. Ethical Consideration The study approval was sought from the Committee on Human Research, Publication and Ethics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (CHRPE/AP/385/23). Participation of individuals were voluntarily sought and informed consent was obtained from each participant. To ensure confidentiality, data collected, especially identifying information, were presented as that of anonymous individuals. Data Collection and Sampling Technique In a multistage randomly sampling technique, 73 WLWH were recruited from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and 30 were recruited from the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena, both in Kumasi, Ghana (Figure 1) . An explanation of the study's goals in a language that the participants could understand was made to secure their informed consent. A well-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical data among study participants who met the selection criteria. Additional information regarding their knowledge on the potential transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies were also obtained from the participants. Data on previous MTCT rate were further obtained from the medical records. Figure 1: Schematic flowchart depicting recruitment of study participants Definition of Terms Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT): The prevalence of MTCT was calculated as the number of women living with HIV/AIDS who had at least given birth to a child out of the total number of women living with HIV/AIDS included in the study. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate per child: The prevalence of MTCT rate per child was calculated as the total number of children born with HIV/AIDS out of the total number of children born from women living with HIV/AIDS included in the study. Data management and Analysis Data obtained were entered in Microsoft Office Excel 2021, cleaned, coded, exported into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 and statistically analysed. All graphs were plotted using GraphPad prism version 8.0. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Bar charts were used to illustrate the prevalence of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS and also the knowledge level of participants on Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV. Chi-square and Logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors and independent predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. P -value of < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants Among the 103 participants, majority were within the age of 36-45years (41.7%), followed by 18-35 years (24.3%), 46-55 years (23.3%) and 56-74 years (10.7%). Moreover, majority were married (55.3%), had 2 to 3 children and attended Junior High School (39.8%). Most were self-employed (68.9%) and were Akans (81.6%) who lived either in the urban (92.2%) or rural (7.8) residence. Furthermore, larger number of the study participants were Christians (89.9%). Also, most of the participants earned less than GHc500.00 and took 31-60 minutes to reach the HIV clinic (Table 1) . Table 1: Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants Variable Frequency (n=103) Percentage (%) Age group (years) 18-35 25 24.3 36-45 43 41.7 46-55 24 23.3 56-74 11 10.7 Marital status Single 24 23.3 Divorced 8 7.8 Widowed 14 13.6 Married 57 55.3 Employment status Not employed 25 24.3 Self employed 71 68.9 Employed 7 6.8 Number of children 1 21 20.4 2-3 52 50.5 ≥ 4 30 29.1 Educational level No formal education 14 13.6 Primary 23 22.3 JHS 41 39.8 SHS 20 19.4 Tertiary 5 4.9 Residence Rural 8 7.8 Urban 95 92.2 Ethnicity Akan 84 81.6 Northerner 16 15.5 Ewe and Ga 3 2.9 Religion Christian 91 89.9 Muslim 11 10.8 Monthly income (Ghana cedis) 1000 19 18.6 Time to reach clinic (minutes) 5-30 22 21.8 31-60 49 48.5 > 60 30 29.7 Data is presented as frequency and percentage Lifestyle characteristics of the study participants Of the 103 participants enrolled in the study, majority did not take alcohol (93.2%) and no one smokes. Also, most of the participants have never shared needle (97.1%) or transfused blood (91.3%). More than half of the participants occasionally take fruits (58.3%), visit the hospital when sick (51.5%), exercise (62.1%) and do not know their partners HIV status (55.3 %) (Table 2). Table 2: Lifestyle characteristics of the study participants Variable Frequency(n=103) Percentage (%) Alcohol intake No 96 93.2 Yes 7 6.8 Alcohol (how often) Daily and weekly 1 14.3 Occasionally 6 85.7 Smoking No 103 100 Exercise No 39 37.9 Yes 64 62.1 Exercise how often Daily 35 54.7 Weekly 20 31.3 Occasionally 9 14.1 Fruit intake how often Daily 14 13.6 Weekly 29 28.2 Occasionally 60 58.3 Action when you feel sick Heal on its own 12 11.7 Herbal medicine 12 11.7 Buy drugs from pharmacy 26 25.2 Visit hospital 53 51.5 No of sexual partners 0-2 27 28.7 3-5 52 55.3 >5 15 16 Ever shared needle drugs No 100 97.1 Yes 3 2.9 Blood transfusion No 94 91.3 Yes 9 8.7 Know partners HIV status No 57 55.3 Yes 46 44.7 Partners HIV status Negative 32 69.6 Positive 14 30.4 Data is presented as frequency and percentage Prevalence of MTCT and MTCT rate per child Of the 103 study participants, the prevalence of MTCT was 21.4% whereas there was no transmission in the remaining 81 representing 78.6%. (Figure 2A) . Also, the prevalence of HIV among MTCT per child birth was 9.9%. (Figure 2B). Fig ure 2: Prevalence of MTCT (A) and MTCT rate per child (B) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) in Kumasi, Ghana Responses to questions on knowledge of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV among study participants The study observed that, none of the responses to questions on knowledge such as HIV can be transmitted from mother to child ( p = 0.467), HIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding ( p = 0.770), HIV transmission can be prevented through caesarean section ( p = 0.457) were significantly associated with MTCT of HIV among study participants (Table 3) . Table 3: Responses to questions on knowledge on mother-to-child-transmission of HIV among study participants Variable Total (n=103) No MTCT (n=81) MTCT (n=22) p -value HIV can be transmitted from mother to child 0.467 a No 2 (1.9) 2 (2.5) 0 (0.0) Do not know 2 (1.9) 1 (1.2) 1 (4.5) Yes 99 (96.1) 78 (96.3) 21 (95.5) HIV can be transmitted during pregnancy 0.054 b Do not know 1 (1.0) 0 (0.0) 1 (4.5) Yes 102 (99.0) 81 (100) 21 (95.5) HIV can be transmitted during labor 0.588 a No 2 (1.9) 2 (2.5) 0 (0.0) Do not know 6 (5.8) 4 (4.9) 2 (9.1) Yes 95 (92.2) 75 (92.6) 20 (90.9) HIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding 0.770 a No 1 (1.0) 1 (1.2) 0 (0.0) Do not know 3 (2.9) 2 (2.5) 1 (4.5) Yes 98 (96.1) 77 (96.2) 21 (95.5) HIV can be prevented through the use of ARVs MTCT 0.457 b Do not know 2 (1.9) 2 (2.5) 0 (0.0) Yes 101 (98.1) 79 (97.5) 22 (100.0) HIV transmission can be prevented through caesarean section 0.175 a No 9 (8.7) 5 (6.2) 4 (18.2) Do not know 46 (44.7) 36 (44.4) 10 (45.5) Yes 48 (46.6) 40 (49.4) 8 (36.4) HIV can be prevented by avoiding breastfeeding 0.520 a No 3 (2.9) 2 (2.5) 1 (4.5) Do not know 11 (10.7) 10 (12.3) 1 (4.5) Yes 89 (86.4) 69 (85.2) 20 (90.9) Have you heard of drug that prevents mother to child transmission 0.318 a No 10 (9.7) 8 (9.9) 2 (9.1) Do not know 10 (9.7) 6 (7.4) 4 (18.2) Yes 83 (80.6) 67 (82.7) 16 (72.7) Note: MTCT: mother-to-child-transmission, HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, ARVs: Antiretrovirals, a p -values computed by Chi-square test, b p -values computed by Fischer exact test, p -values < 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant Proportion of knowledge level on mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV (WLWH) About 92.2% WLWH had adequate knowledge as compared to the inadequate knowledge (7.8%) of WLWH (Figure 3) . Sociodemographic predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV In a univariate logistic regression model, higher age category of 36-45 years (cOR: 8.25, 95% CI: (1.00-68.35); p = 0.050), 56-74 years (cOR: 20.00, 95% CI (1.9-204.73); p = 0.012 ) were significantly associated with MTCT. Also, in the multivariate logistics regression analysis model, age range 36-45 years (aOR : 20.1, 95% CI (1.45-278.87); p = 0.025) and 56-74 years (aOR: 76.42, 95% CI (1.87-3131.45) P = 0.02) remain significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV (Table 4). Table 4: Sociodemographic predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV Variable cOR (95% CI) p -value aOR (95% CI) p-value Age category (years) 18-35 1.00 - 1.00 - 36-45 6.32 (1.00-68.35) 0.042 18.33 (1.45-278.87) 0.048 46-55 8.25 (0.68-58.72) 0.034 20.1 (1.03-325.57) 0.025 56-74 20.00 (1.9-204.73) 0.012 76.42 (1.87-3131.45) 0.022 Marital status Single 0.44 (0.11-1.70) 0.232 - - Divorced 0.44 (0.05-3.88) 0.459 - Widowed 1.23 (0.33-4.54) 0.758 - - Married 1.00 - - - Number of children 0-1 0.25 (0.05-1.28) 0.096 - - 2-3 0.37 (0.22-1.75) 0.371 - - 4 or more 1.00 - - - Educational level No formal education 2.22 (0.19-25.72) 0.523 - - Primary 2.57 (0.26-26.85) 0.430 - - JHS 0.57 (0.05-6.02) 0.630 - - SHS 0.44 (0.06.19) 0.546 - - Tertiary 1.00 - - - Residence Rural 2.4 (0.53-10.94) 0.258 - - Urban 1.00 - - - Employment status Not employed 2.33 (0.24-23.04) 0.468 - - Self employed 1.47 (0.16-13.25) 0.729 - - Employed 1.00 - - - Ethnicity Akan 1.00 - - - Northerner 1.93 (0.59-6.35) 0.278 - - Ewe and Ga 2.13 (0.18-24.91) 0.548 - - Religion Christian 1.00 - - - Muslim 3.63 (0.99-13.29) 0.052 - - Monthly income (cedis) 1000 1.00 - - - Time to reach clinic (minutes) 5-30 1.00 - - - 31-60 2.56 (0.512-12.84) 0.252 - - > 60 4.286 (0.82-22.32) 0.084 - - Note: cOR: Crude odd ratio, aOR: Adjusted odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, p -values computed by logistics regression prediction model, p -values < 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant Clinical factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants In the univariate logistics regression analyses model, there was a significant increase in likelihood on participant, who do not have knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy (cOR=9.13) CI; (3.01-27.68), ( p < 0.001). Also, participants’ children who do not received ART prophylaxis was significantly affected (cOR=8.25), CI: (2.91-23.40), ( p < 0.0001). However, other variables such as complications during pregnancy, mode of delivery and breastfeeding a child showed no significant association with MTCT of HIV (Table 5). Table 5: Clinical factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants. Variable cOR (95% CI) p-value aOR (95% CI) p-value Knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy No 9.13 (3.01-27.68) < 0.0001 3.63 (0.793-16.57) 0.097 Yes 1.00 - 1.00 - Complications during pregnancy No 1 - - General hospitalization 0.53 (0.11-2.54) 0.4240 - - Intrahepatic cholestasis and Diabetes 0.00 (0.00-inf.) 0.9990 - - Pre-eclampsia 3.42 (0.20-57.31) 0.3920 - - Mode of delivery Vaginal delivery 1.00 - - - Elective caesarean 0.99 (0.10-9.40) 0.9900 - - Emergency caesarean 1.18 (0.29-4.77) 0.8140 - - Breastfed child No 1.00 - - - Yes >100 (0.000-inf.) 0.9990 - - Child received ART prophylaxis No 8.25 (2.91-23.40) < 0.0001 11.72 (2.23-61.64) 0.004 Yes 1.00 - 1.00 - Note: HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, ART: Antiretroviral therapy, cOR: Crude odd ratio, aOR: Adjusted odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, inf: Infinity, p -values computed by logistics regression prediction model, p -values < 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant Lifestyle factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants. All the variables under lifestyle in a univariate logistic regression model showed no significant association with MTCT of HIV ( p > 0.05) (Table 6). Table 6: Lifestyle factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants. Variable cOR (95% CI) p -value Alcohol intake No 1.68 (0.19-14.74) 0.6400 Yes 1.00 - Alcohol (how often) Daily and weekly 0.00 (0.00-inf.) > 0.9999 Occasionally 1.00 - Exercise No 1.40 (0.514-3.8) 0.5110 Yes 1.00 - Exercise (how often) Daily 2.37 (0.26-21.9) 0.4500 Weekly 3.43 (0.35-33.80) 0.2900 Occasionally 1.00 - Fruit intake (how often) Daily 1.00 - Weekly 1.25 (0.21-7.41) 0.8060 Occasionally 2.00 (0.40-9.98) 0.3980 Action when you feel sick Heal on its own 1.00 - Herbal Medicine 1.00 (0.055-18.09) > 0.9999 Buy drugs from pharmacy 4.05 (0.44-37.43) 0.2200 Visit hospital 3.58 (0.42-30.40) 0.2430 Number of sexual partners group 0-2 1.00 - 3-5 0.94 (0.31-2.89) 0.9130 >5 1.273 (0.30-5.48) 0.7460 Ever shared needle/drugs No 1.88 (0.16-21.76) 0.6130 Yes 1.00 - Blood transfusion No >100 (0.000-inf.) 0.9990 Yes 1.00 - Know partners HIV status No 2.6 (0.93-7.32) 0.0700 Yes 1.00 - Partners HIV status Negative 1.17 (0.19-7.25) 0.8690 Positive 1.00 - Note: HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, cOR: Crude odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, inf: Infinity, p -values computed by logistics regression prediction model Association between knowledge and MTCT The study observed that level of knowledge ( p = 0.794) was not significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV (Figure 4) Figure 4: Association between knowledge level and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) DISCUSSION Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a global challenge that needs to be curtailed. In the absence of proper treatment, a women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) with unborn child has a 25–45% chance of contracting the virus before or after delivery [5]. Despite advances by PMTCT interventions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, improve early case detection, improve treatment of those infected, as well as keep those who are HIV-negative uninfected [13], there is still an increasing incidence of MTCT. This study assessed the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among the study participant, the proportion of knowledge level on mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV (WLWH) and the predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV. This study found a high prevalence (21.4%) of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among the study participant. The prevalence in this study is higher compared to studies conducted by Wang, Wang (15) in China (4.8%), Sama, Feteh (16) in Cameroon (4.9%) and other areas in Ethiopia (17%, 10% and 15.7%) [17-19]. This disparity might be as a result of differences in the study settings, sample size and environmental factors. Moreover, among the 22 MTCT cases, 9.9% mother-to-child transmission of HIV per child birth was recorded in the current study which calls for effective strategies to help reduce MTCT in Ghanaian women living with HIV. The observed MTCT rate highlights gaps in existing prevention programs and underscores the importance of targeted interventions. Strengthening of prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs will play a crucial role in reducing MTCT rates by providing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), counseling, and support services. Moreover, having adequate knowledge of PMTCT is critical in reducing MTCT of HIV [14]. A higher adequate knowledge level of 92.2% was found in this present study compared to previous studies conducted in Ghana by Nyarko, Pencille (14) of 77.0% and Boateng, Kwapong (3) of 10.0%, as well as other countries including Ethiopia (34.9%) [20] and Tanzania (54%) [21]. The higher prevalence observed in the current study compared to previous studies could be as a result of the high educational level of the study participants since most of the participants had some form of higher education level. Consistent with other findings, there was a positive association between having some education and adequate knowledge on PMTCT [21]. Again, the health education that has been taking place in the study area, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for pregnant women on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV during their visits to the antenatal clinic could be a possible reason for their high adequate knowledge level among WLH in the current study. This study found that higher maternal age was significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The older age groups (36-35, 46-55 and 56-74 years) were associated with higher chances of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV compared to younger age group (18-35 years). This finding was in congruence with a previous study by Kassa (11) where older maternal age was found to be a factor associated to MTCT. This finding could be as a result of these older women having given birth to their kids or having already transmitted the disease to their kids before the implementation of PMTCT intervention. Also, people within the age of 18-35 years have access to high quality education and various social media platforms where information on MTCT are readily available. Moreover, having no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy showed higher odds of MTCT. It can be deduced that these participants were not on any prophylaxis or antiretroviral drugs and had higher chances of MTCT. This finding is in congruence with another study by Habte and Namasasu. According to them, women living with HIV who are aware of their status have a reduced desire for procreation and improved contraception use (family planning) which has a good impact on PMTCT [22]. Besides, women with known HIV status prior to pregnancy are placed on prophylaxis which further reduces the rate of MTCT. Therefore, intensifying HIV testing, especially, self-testing will help WLWH know their HIV status prior to pregnancy to reduce MTCT. Again, MTCT of HIV was higher in children who did not receive ART prophylaxis compared to children who received ART prophylaxis. This study found that children who did not receive ART prophylaxis at or after birth have more than 11 increased chances of been infected. The finding is in agreement with the findings from studies conducted in Ethiopia by Yitayew, Bekele (23) and Wudineh and Damtew (19) and Brazil by De Lemos, Lippi (24). It has been reported that ART such as nevirapine has a viral suppression effect thereby blocking RNA and DNA dependent DNA polymerase actions including HIV replication [23]. Thus, ART prophylaxis intake decreases the rate of MTCT of HIV. In contrast, a study conducted in Gondar, Ethiopia found child ART prophylaxis not to be significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV [17]. This disparity could be difference in the study settings and sample sizes. This study finding however, highlights the significance of ART prophylaxis in reducing MTCT. Furthermore, our study did not find any significant association between mode of delivery (vaginal delivery, elective caesarean and emergency caesarean) and MTCT. However, a study carried out in Western Europe also discovered that elective cesarean section can stop the transfer of HIV from mother to kid. A study carried out in Italy likewise noted a similar conclusion [11]. Also, another study by [10] found that, vaginal delivery and nonelective caesarean delivery were associated with MTCT . Although there was high adequate knowledge level and low inadequate knowledge level on MTCT, our study did not find any significant association between knowledge levels and MTCT. The inadequate knowledge level of MTCT did not show higher chances of MTCT. Likewise, the adequate knowledge level of MTCT did not show lower chances of MTCT. However, a previous study conducted by [14] on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana showed that, high adequate knowledge levels was significantly associated with PMTCT [14]. The insignificant finding in the current study could be as results of the distribution of the participants with over ninety percent having adequate knowledge compared to few percentage with inadequate knowledge on PMTCT. Therefore, it is recommended to take high-risk populations such as higher age groups into account during interventions targeting at PMTCT. Moreover, HIV-related ANC services must be intensified to improve pregnant women’s awareness as well as continuous knowledge on MTCT and its prevention to curb the rate of MTCT. Furthermore, the use of ART prophylaxis WLWH during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding and the use of infant ART prophylaxis must be encouraged. Lastly, this study’s findings calls for public health intervention on MTCT and enhance PMTCT service provision to minimize rate of mother to child transmission of HIV among Ghanaian population. CONCLUSION There is high prevalence of MTCT (21.4%) and is influenced by higher age group of 36-74 years, no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy as well as children who do not receive ART prophylaxis. This study’s findings call for an increased awareness on the knowledge of MTCT, availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for expectant mothers and enhanced HIV testing and treatment for women of reproductive age, including self-testing. Abbreviations MTCT: Mother-to-Child Transmission PMTCT: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission WLWH: Women living with HIV/AIDS () HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome RNA: Ribonucleic acid DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid Declarations Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to study participants, as well as research assistants who contributed in diverse ways to the successful implementation of the study. Authors' contributions SAS and AKE supervised the project; ES, AE and KTY were involved in the statistical analyses; SAS, AE, AKE, ES, KTY, JAN, SO, SAO, SK, FNAG, SKA, OSOM, SA, BA, and NKAB were involved in study design, data curation, methodology, manuscript drafting. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Data Availability All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article and can be requested from the corresponding author. Competing Interests Authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist. Funding This study did not receive funding from private, government or non-for-profit organization. Consent for publication Not Applicable References Mariwah S, Kumi-Kyereme A, Tanle A, Esia-Donkoh K, Owusu SA, Atuahene K. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BARRIERS TOWARDS PREVENTION OF MOTHER - TO - CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV IN GHANA. UDS International Journal of Development. 2017;4(1):1-9. doi: 10.47740/151.UDSIJD6i. WHO. HIV data and statistics. World Health Organisation. 2023. Boateng D, Kwapong GD, Agyei-Baffour P. Knowledge, perception about antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) and adherence to ART among HIV positive women in the Ashanti Region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women's Health. 2013;13(1):2. doi: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-2. UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. UNAIDSorg. 2023. Inyang MP, Rimande-Joel R. Mother to child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science. 2015;20(3):33-5. Birhane T, Assefa Tessema G, Addis Alene K, Dadi AF. Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Meket District, Northeast Ethiopia. Journal of Pregnancy. 2015;2015:1-6. doi: 10.1155/2015/960830. WHO. Towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: conceptual framework for the Middle East and North Africa. 2012. Akinsanya OS, Wiseberg-Firtell J, Akpomiemie G, Adeniyi OV, Kaswa R. Evaluation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme at a primary health care centre in South Africa. South African Family Practice. 2017;59(2):56-60. NACP, GHS. National AIDS Control Programme. Ghana Health Service. 2022. Chiappini E, Galli L, Lisi C, Gabiano C, Esposito S, Giacomet V, et al. Strategies for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Adopted in the “Real-World” Setting: Data From the Italian Register for HIV-1 Infection in Children. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2018;79(1):54-61. Kassa GM. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC infectious diseases. 2018;18(1):1-9. WHO. PMTCT strategic vision 2010-2015: preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV to reach the UNGASS and Millennium Development Goals: moving towards the elimination of paediatric HIV, December 2009. 2010. Dzamboe CE, Manu E, Aku FY, Tarkang EE. Structural elements availability for the provision of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV services among health facilities in the Volta Region of Ghana. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2022;41. Nyarko V, Pencille L, Akoku DA, Tarkang EE. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a descriptive cross-sectional design. PAMJ-Clinical Medicine. 2019;1(69). Wang Q, Wang L, Fang L, Wang A, Jin X, Wang F, et al. Timely antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy effectively reduces HIV mother-to-child transmission in eight counties in China: a prospective study during 2004–2011. Scientific Reports. 2016;6(1):34526. Sama C-B, Feteh VF, Tindong M, Tanyi JT, Bihle NM, Angwafo III FF. Prevalence of maternal HIV infection and knowledge on mother–to–child transmission of HIV and its prevention among antenatal care attendees in a rural area in northwest Cameroon. PloS one. 2017;12(2):e0172102. Koye DN, Zeleke BM. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants at a PMTCT clinic in northwest Ethiopia. BMC public health. 2013;13:1-6. Birlie B, Diriba T, Sisay K, Gurmessa A, Seyoum D, Tadesse M. Mother to child HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants: a retrospective follow-up study in Southwest Ethiopia. J AIDS Clin Res. 2016;7(605):2. Wudineh F, Damtew B. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection and its determinants among exposed infants on care and follow-up in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia. AIDS research and treatment. 2016;2016. Luba TR, Feng Z, Gebremedhin SA, Erena AN, Nasser AM, Bishwajit G, et al. Knowledge about mother–to–child transmission of HIV, its prevention and associated factors among Ethiopian women. Journal of global health. 2017;7(2). Haile ZT, Teweldeberhan AK, Chertok IR. Correlates of women's knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention in Tanzania: a population-based study. AIDS care. 2016;28(1):70-8. Habte D, Namasasu J. Family planning use among women living with HIV: knowing HIV positive status helps-results from a national survey. Reproductive health. 2015;12(1):1-11. Yitayew YA, Bekele DM, Demissie BW, Menji ZA. Mother to child transmission of HIV and associated factors among HIV exposed infants at public health facilities, Dessie Town, Ethiopia. HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care. 2019:343-50. De Lemos LM, Lippi J, Rutherford GW, Duarte GS, Martins NG, Santos VS, et al. Maternal risk factors for HIV infection in infants in northeastern Brazil. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(10):e913-e8. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4375548","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":325831899,"identity":"8f08ad32-4462-4bdb-bd19-9d1515c77328","order_by":0,"name":"Samuel Asamoah Sakyi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Samuel","middleName":"Asamoah","lastName":"Sakyi","suffix":""},{"id":325831900,"identity":"0a478acb-4a46-4172-9dce-3f2cbd640143","order_by":1,"name":"Alfred Effah","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Alfred","middleName":"","lastName":"Effah","suffix":""},{"id":325831901,"identity":"f01dfa8e-705f-400d-aa99-b957b0887a8f","order_by":2,"name":"Anthony Kwame Enimil","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Child Health Directorate, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Anthony","middleName":"Kwame","lastName":"Enimil","suffix":""},{"id":325831902,"identity":"f4f19773-f93a-4c88-a915-d41b54812a4e","order_by":3,"name":"Ebenezer Senu","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACCSjNDyISCkjRItkA0mJAihaDA2CSCB380s3HHv6ouJO4+fzqxA8PDBjk+cUO4NciOedYujHPmWeJ22683SwBdJjhzNkJ+LUY3Mgxk2ZsOwzUcnYDSEuCwW0CWuxv5H+T/PnvcOLmGWc3/yBKi4FEDpsEb8PhxA38vduIs0XizjEzaZ5jh41n3ODdZpFgIEHYL/yzm59J/qg5LNvff3bzzR8VNvL80gS0INkHVilBQBWqfQdIUT0KRsEoGAUjCQAAxlRH3X6TzoYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ebenezer","middleName":"","lastName":"Senu","suffix":""},{"id":325831903,"identity":"1ed7cba4-9c5c-488c-864f-d100e8d0dd8b","order_by":4,"name":"Kingsley Takyi Yeboah","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kingsley","middleName":"Takyi","lastName":"Yeboah","suffix":""},{"id":325831904,"identity":"4aa6c9e4-6f29-479f-8e0a-511f02e27092","order_by":5,"name":"Judith Appiah-Nuamah","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Judith","middleName":"","lastName":"Appiah-Nuamah","suffix":""},{"id":325831905,"identity":"d7380f89-9664-47b0-877a-dfa6327f8402","order_by":6,"name":"Stephen Opoku","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Stephen","middleName":"","lastName":"Opoku","suffix":""},{"id":325831906,"identity":"7971191c-42a1-48b3-b725-a364dc8bd8d8","order_by":7,"name":"Success Acheampomaa Oppong","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Success","middleName":"Acheampomaa","lastName":"Oppong","suffix":""},{"id":325831907,"identity":"dd5cee11-4a17-4b52-913b-5d906d1b5ba9","order_by":8,"name":"Samuel Kwarteng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Samuel","middleName":"","lastName":"Kwarteng","suffix":""},{"id":325831908,"identity":"59a9c25e-7590-4ecf-8d7a-e593d9944e4a","order_by":9,"name":"Festus Nana Afari-Gyan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Festus","middleName":"Nana","lastName":"Afari-Gyan","suffix":""},{"id":325831909,"identity":"67148b35-edd2-4794-86f7-19e67821b9d0","order_by":10,"name":"Samuel Kekeli Agordzo","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Samuel","middleName":"Kekeli","lastName":"Agordzo","suffix":""},{"id":325831910,"identity":"21d8f7cd-cb67-45a5-9538-fd5889be0dc9","order_by":11,"name":"Oscar Simon Olympio Mensah","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Oscar","middleName":"Simon Olympio","lastName":"Mensah","suffix":""},{"id":325831911,"identity":"9f4b80d5-5062-477c-a658-dba32fa6bf30","order_by":12,"name":"Solomon Akpobi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Laboratory Department, School of Public Health, KNUST-IVI Collaboration Center, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti region, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Solomon","middleName":"","lastName":"Akpobi","suffix":""},{"id":325831912,"identity":"3b3b8c87-e23a-45dd-a0d1-138fa48db7bc","order_by":13,"name":"Benjamin Amoani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Benjamin","middleName":"","lastName":"Amoani","suffix":""},{"id":325831913,"identity":"0eb5e714-4039-4de4-8300-4efb5cd04d01","order_by":14,"name":"Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Nana","middleName":"Kwame","lastName":"Ayisi-Boateng","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-05-06 09:03:31","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":60617755,"identity":"6017aa29-b9c0-4562-8a22-66e0eff5bb1b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-18 20:31:45","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":147467,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchematic flowchart depicting recruitment of study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4375548/v1/d381de0f42675bbdc9f841a1.png"},{"id":60617754,"identity":"426ca228-8509-4762-98c5-bca0bcce5813","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-18 20:31:45","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":148820,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of MTCT (A) and MTCT rate per child (B) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) in Kumasi, Ghana\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4375548/v1/48c6e4cb258688e51994eb07.png"},{"id":60617752,"identity":"5807b228-4873-4dcf-94d8-198fb7f65cd0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-18 20:31:44","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":38112,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProportion of knowledge on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4375548/v1/dbff9e02eb52851230474312.png"},{"id":60617753,"identity":"5c0b76b9-382d-4d76-b7af-809904faa25c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-18 20:31:45","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":53055,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociation between knowledge level and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4375548/v1/98382ed240d053d24864d18f.png"},{"id":79283972,"identity":"27c4341b-e63c-4242-878f-56c7a22f2a6e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-26 14:02:00","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3255093,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4375548/v1/4a1ee01d-7ec3-4285-9f5a-b810cf8d85ca.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Prior Knowledge and Antiretroviral Therapy Prophylaxis are Associated with Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women and children, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where infection rates are highest\u0026nbsp;[1]. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to approximately two-thirds of the estimated over 39 million persons globally suffering from HIV/AIDS\u0026nbsp;[2]. Although Ghana\u0026apos;s incidence rates are lower than in other African nations, the disease remains a significant threat to the country\u0026apos;s socioeconomic progress\u0026nbsp;[1].\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMother-to-child transmission of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is the transfer of the virus from an HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding\u0026nbsp;[3]. Women and girls accounted for more than half of the HIV-infected population (53.0%) worldwide while the infection is less prevalent in males\u0026nbsp;[4]. In the absence of proper treatment, a pregnant woman living with HIV\u0026rsquo;s unborn child has a 25\u0026ndash;45% chance of contracting the virus before or after delivery\u0026nbsp;[5]. The HIV transmission rate during pregnancy is believed to be 5-10%, 10-15% during labor and delivery, and 5-20% while lactating or breastfeeding\u0026nbsp;[6]. More than 90% of children were infected through Mother-To-Child Transmission, of which nearly 90% occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately half of them die before their second birthday if there is no appropriate treatment\u0026nbsp;[7, 8]. Ghana has national MTCT of HIV at 8%\u0026nbsp;[9].\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several different factors that contribute to a higher risk of MTCT. It could be viral, maternal, placental, foetal conditions and the delivery procedure itself or a combination of these factors\u0026nbsp;[5]. Poor maternal adherence, late pregnancy diagnosis, the rise of antiretroviral-resistant virus, and inability to provide effective and timely prophylaxis are among the variables linked to the MTCT of HIV\u0026nbsp;[10]. Moreover, additional characteristics linked with MTCT of HIV were identified in previous researches in other country. These included lower maternal CD4 count (less than 350 cells/ cubic mm) at baseline, shorter duration of ART regimen, maternal age, and low newborn birth weight (less than 2500 g)\u0026nbsp;[11].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) plays a major role in limiting the number of children being infected by HIV. By implementing PMTCT program, the overall rate of MTCT can be reduced to less than 2%\u0026nbsp;[12]. One of the most significant public health successes in recent years has been the expansion of HIV Prevention of \u0026nbsp;Mother-to-Child Transmission\u0026nbsp;[3]. \u0026nbsp;PMTCT programs for HIV include antenatal HIV testing and counseling, preventing unwanted pregnancy, providing an appropriate ARV regimen for mothers and newborns, and advocating for safer baby feeding alternatives and practices.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGhana has deliberately put measures in place to achieve the zero new HIV infection objective. This is done through the integration of PMTCT into all levels of health care where intervention programs can be implemented to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, improve early case detection, improve treatment of those infected, as well as keep those who are HIV-negative uninfected [13]. Despite great success toward the country\u0026apos;s goal of reducing new infections among children to less than 5%, more work remains to be done (Ghana, 2010, National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan: 2011\u0026ndash;2015). Moreover, there is limited data on the implementation of PMTCT in Ghana. Knowledge on PMTCT among women living with HIV/AIDS has not been well explored. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and factors including knowledge levels of PMTCT among women living with HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003ch2\u003eStudy Design\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA retrospective cross-sectional design was used to investigate the knowledge, prevalence and factors influencing the mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) receiving post-natal care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena-Kumasi, Ghana.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStudy Sites\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research was carried out at the HIV clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi and the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena-Kumasi, Ghana. In the Ashanti region of Ghana, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves as the regional and teaching hospital. It is the region\u0026rsquo;s largest hospital and the only tertiary health institution, as well as Ghana\u0026apos;s second-largest regional hospital. It serves as the primary referral hospital for the Ashanti region and beyond. The Aninwaa medical center, however, is a private hospital located at Emena, a suburb of Kumasi. Both hospitals have a well-resourced HIV/AIDS clinics where people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) are cared for making them necessary for the successful implementation of this study. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStudy population\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study recruited women living with HIV/AIDS aged 18 years and above with completed medical records visiting the HIV clinics at the selected facilities. WLWH with incomplete medical records, who have not given birth before or without the HIV/AIDS status of the delivered children were excluded from the study. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSample Size Calculation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size for this study was obtained by the use of the Cochran formula using the standard normal variate at a 95% confidence interval of 1.96, estimated the prevalence of MTCT in Ghana in 2019 (7%)\u0026nbsp;[14]\u0026nbsp;and e is the margin of error = 0.05. To increase statistical power, 103 women living with HIV/AIDS were enrolled into the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEthical Consideration\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study approval was sought from the Committee on Human Research, Publication and Ethics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (CHRPE/AP/385/23). Participation of individuals were voluntarily sought and informed consent was obtained from each participant. To ensure confidentiality, data collected, especially identifying information, were presented as that of anonymous individuals.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Collection and Sampling Technique\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a multistage randomly sampling technique, 73 WLWH were recruited from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and 30 were recruited from the Aninwaa Medical Center, Emena, both in Kumasi, Ghana \u003cstrong\u003e(Figure 1)\u003c/strong\u003e. An explanation of the study\u0026apos;s goals in a language that the participants could understand was made to secure their informed consent. A well-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical data among study participants who met the selection criteria. Additional information regarding their knowledge on the potential transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies were also obtained from the participants. Data on previous MTCT rate were further obtained from the medical records. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 1: Schematic flowchart depicting recruitment of study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDefinition of Terms\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMother-to-child transmission (MTCT):\u003c/strong\u003e The prevalence of MTCT was calculated as the number of women living with HIV/AIDS who had at least given birth to a child out of the total number of women living with HIV/AIDS included in the study.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate per child:\u003c/strong\u003e The prevalence of MTCT rate per child was calculated as the total number of children born with HIV/AIDS out of the total number of children born from women living with HIV/AIDS included in the study.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData management and Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData obtained were entered in Microsoft Office Excel 2021, cleaned, coded, exported into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 and statistically analysed. All graphs were plotted using GraphPad prism version 8.0. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Bar charts were used to illustrate the prevalence of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS and also the knowledge level of participants on Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV. Chi-square and Logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors and independent predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e-value of \u0026lt; 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociodemographic characteristics of the study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the 103 participants, majority were within the age of 36-45years (41.7%), followed by 18-35 years (24.3%), 46-55 years (23.3%) and 56-74 years (10.7%). Moreover, majority were married (55.3%), had 2 to 3 children and attended Junior High School (39.8%). Most were self-employed (68.9%) and were Akans (81.6%) who lived either in the urban (92.2%) or rural (7.8) residence. Furthermore, larger number of the study participants were Christians (89.9%). Also, most of the participants earned less than GHc500.00 and took 31-60 minutes to reach the HIV clinic \u003cstrong\u003e(Table 1)\u003c/strong\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1: Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"619\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency (n=103)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge group (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18-35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36-45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46-55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56-74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmployment status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot employed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf employed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmployed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of children\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2-3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge; 4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducational level\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJHS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSHS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAkan\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNortherner\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEwe and Ga\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonthly income (Ghana cedis)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 500\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500-1000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 1000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"74.75728155339806%\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime to reach clinic (minutes)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31-60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"47.249190938511326%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 60\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"27.508090614886733%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"25.24271844660194%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData is presented as frequency and percentage\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifestyle characteristics of the study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf the 103 participants enrolled in the study, majority did not take alcohol (93.2%) and no one smokes. Also, most of the participants have never shared needle (97.1%) or transfused blood (91.3%). More than half of the participants occasionally take fruits (58.3%), visit the hospital when sick (51.5%), exercise (62.1%) and do not know their partners HIV status (55.3\u003cstrong\u003e%) (Table 2).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2: Lifestyle characteristics of the study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"590\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency(n=103)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol intake\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol (how often)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily and weekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmoking\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e103\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise how often\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit intake how often\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction when you feel sick\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHeal on its own\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHerbal medicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuy drugs from pharmacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVisit hospital\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo of sexual partners\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0-2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEver shared needle drugs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood transfusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnow partners HIV status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartners HIV status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"41.59592529711375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"28.522920203735143%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.881154499151105%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData is presented as frequency and percentage\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of MTCT and MTCT rate per child\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf the 103 study participants, the prevalence of MTCT was 21.4% whereas there was no transmission in the remaining 81 representing 78.6%. \u003cstrong\u003e(Figure 2A)\u003c/strong\u003e. \u0026nbsp; Also, the prevalence of HIV among MTCT per child birth was 9.9%. \u003cstrong\u003e(Figure 2B).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFig\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eure 2:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of MTCT (A) and MTCT rate per child (B) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH) in Kumasi, Ghana\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponses to questions on knowledge of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV among study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study observed that, none of the responses to questions on knowledge such as HIV can be transmitted from mother to child (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.467), HIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.770), HIV transmission can be prevented through caesarean section (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.457) were significantly associated with MTCT of HIV among study participants \u003cstrong\u003e(Table 3)\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponses to questions on knowledge on mother-to-child-transmission of HIV among study participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"788\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal (n=103)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo MTCT (n=81)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMTCT (n=22)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be transmitted from mother to child\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.467\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99 (96.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78 (96.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (95.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be transmitted during pregnancy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.054\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102 (99.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (95.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be transmitted during labor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.588\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (5.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (9.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95 (92.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75 (92.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (90.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.770\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98 (96.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77 (96.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (95.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be prevented through the use of ARVs\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMTCT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.457\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e101 (98.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79 (97.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (100.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV transmission can be prevented through caesarean section\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.175\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9 (8.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5 (6.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46 (44.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36 (44.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (45.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48 (46.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40 (49.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (36.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV can be prevented by avoiding breastfeeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.520\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (10.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (12.3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (4.5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89 (86.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69 (85.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (90.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHave you heard of drug that prevents mother to child transmission\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.318\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (9.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (7.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (18.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"44.16243654822335%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"12.817258883248732%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83 (80.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"1.9035532994923858%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"18.274111675126903%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67 (82.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.467005076142131%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16 (72.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.375634517766498%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: MTCT: mother-to-child-transmission, HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, ARVs: Antiretrovirals, \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values computed by Chi-square test, \u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values computed by Fischer exact test, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values \u0026lt; 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProportion of\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eknowledge level on mother-to-child transmission of HIV\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eamong women living with HIV (WLWH)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 92.2% WLWH had adequate knowledge as compared to the inadequate knowledge (7.8%) of WLWH \u003cstrong\u003e(Figure 3)\u003c/strong\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociodemographic predictors of mother-to-child transmission of\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a univariate logistic regression model, higher age category of 36-45 years (cOR: 8.25, 95% CI: (1.00-68.35); \u003cem\u003ep\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e= 0.050), 56-74 years (cOR: 20.00, 95% CI (1.9-204.73); \u003cem\u003ep\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e= \u003cstrong\u003e0.012\u003c/strong\u003e) were significantly associated with MTCT.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, in the multivariate logistics regression analysis model, age range 36-45 years (aOR\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c/strong\u003e 20.1, 95% CI (1.45-278.87);\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;p\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e= 0.025) and 56-74 years (aOR: 76.42, 95% CI (1.87-3131.45) \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e = 0.02) remain significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV \u003cstrong\u003e(Table 4).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4: Sociodemographic predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"744\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecOR (95% CI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eaOR (95% CI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge category (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18-35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36-45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.32 (1.00-68.35)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.042\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.33 (1.45-278.87)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.048\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46-55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.25 (0.68-58.72)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.034\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.1 (1.03-325.57)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.025\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56-74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.00 (1.9-204.73)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.012\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76.42 (1.87-3131.45)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.022\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44 (0.11-1.70)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.232\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44 (0.05-3.88)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.459\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.23 (0.33-4.54)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.758\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of children\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0-1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25 (0.05-1.28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.096\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2-3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.37 (0.22-1.75)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.371\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 or more\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducational level\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.22 (0.19-25.72)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.523\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.57 (0.26-26.85)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.430\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJHS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.57 (0.05-6.02)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.630\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSHS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44 (0.06.19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.546\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4 (0.53-10.94)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.258\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmployment status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNot employed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.33 (0.24-23.04)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.468\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSelf employed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.47 (0.16-13.25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.729\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmployed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAkan\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNortherner\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.93 (0.59-6.35)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.278\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEwe and Ga\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.13 (0.18-24.91)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.548\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristian\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.63 (0.99-13.29)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonthly income (cedis)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 500\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.76 (0.56-13.70)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.215\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e500-1000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.62 (0.49-13.83)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.258\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 1000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime to reach clinic (minutes)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31-60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.56 (0.512-12.84)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.252\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"39.516129032258064%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"20.026881720430108%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.286 (0.82-22.32)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.543010752688172%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.084\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.236559139784948%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.67741935483871%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: cOR: Crude odd ratio, aOR: Adjusted odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values computed by logistics regression prediction model, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values \u0026lt; 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;In the univariate logistics regression analyses model, there was a significant increase in likelihood on participant, who do not have knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy (cOR=9.13) CI; (3.01-27.68), (\u003cem\u003ep\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001). Also, participants\u0026rsquo; children who do not received ART prophylaxis was significantly affected (cOR=8.25), CI: (2.91-23.40), (\u003cem\u003ep\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt; 0.0001).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, other variables such as complications during pregnancy, mode of delivery and breastfeeding a child showed no significant association with MTCT of HIV \u003cstrong\u003e(Table 5).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5: Clinical factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"768\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecOR (95% CI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eaOR (95% CI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.13 (3.01-27.68)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt; 0.0001\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.63 (0.793-16.57)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.097\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplications during pregnancy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGeneral hospitalization\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53 (0.11-2.54)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.4240\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIntrahepatic cholestasis and Diabetes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00 (0.00-inf.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9990\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre-eclampsia\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.42 (0.20-57.31)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3920\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMode of delivery\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVaginal delivery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eElective caesarean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99 (0.10-9.40)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9900\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmergency caesarean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.18 (0.29-4.77)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8140\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreastfed child\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;100 (0.000-inf.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9990\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChild received ART prophylaxis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.25 (2.91-23.40)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt; 0.0001\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.72 (2.23-61.64)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"37.109375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.401041666666668%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.588541666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"21.484375%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"10.416666666666666%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, ART: Antiretroviral therapy, cOR: Crude odd ratio, aOR: Adjusted odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, inf: Infinity, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values computed by logistics regression prediction model, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values \u0026lt; 0.05 and bolded means statistically significant\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifestyle factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the variables under lifestyle in a univariate logistic regression model showed no significant association with MTCT of HIV (\u003cem\u003ep\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026gt; 0.05) \u003cstrong\u003e(Table 6).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6: Lifestyle factors as predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among study participants.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"660\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecOR (95% CI)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol intake\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.68 (0.19-14.74)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6400\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol (how often)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily and weekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00 (0.00-inf.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 0.9999\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.40 (0.514-3.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5110\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise (how often)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.37 (0.26-21.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.4500\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.43 (0.35-33.80)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2900\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit intake (how often)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDaily\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeekly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.25 (0.21-7.41)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8060\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccasionally\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.00 (0.40-9.98)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3980\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction when you feel sick\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHeal on its own\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHerbal Medicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00 (0.055-18.09)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 0.9999\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuy drugs from pharmacy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.05 (0.44-37.43)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2200\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVisit hospital\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.58 (0.42-30.40)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2430\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of sexual partners group\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0-2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.94 (0.31-2.89)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9130\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.273 (0.30-5.48)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7460\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEver shared needle/drugs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.88 (0.16-21.76)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6130\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood transfusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;100 (0.000-inf.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9990\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnow partners HIV status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.6 (0.93-7.32)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartners HIV status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.17 (0.19-7.25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8690\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.54545454545455%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"36.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.93939393939394%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, cOR: Crude odd ratio, CI: Confidence interval, inf: Infinity, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e-values computed by logistics regression prediction model\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociation between knowledge and MTCT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study observed that level of knowledge (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.794) was not significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV \u003cstrong\u003e(Figure 4)\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4: Association between knowledge level and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewomen living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eMother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a global challenge that needs to be curtailed. In the absence of proper treatment, a women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWH)\u0026nbsp;with unborn child has a 25\u0026ndash;45% chance of contracting the virus before or after delivery\u0026nbsp;[5]. \u0026nbsp;Despite advances by PMTCT interventions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, improve early case detection, improve treatment of those infected, as well as keep those who are HIV-negative uninfected\u0026nbsp;[13], there is still an increasing incidence of MTCT. This study assessed the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among the study participant, the proportion of knowledge level on mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV (WLWH) and the predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study found a high prevalence (21.4%) of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among the study participant. The prevalence in this study is higher \u0026nbsp;compared to studies conducted by\u0026nbsp;Wang, Wang (15)\u0026nbsp;in China (4.8%),\u0026nbsp;Sama, Feteh (16)\u0026nbsp;in Cameroon (4.9%) and other areas in Ethiopia (17%, 10% and 15.7%)\u0026nbsp;[17-19]. This disparity might be as a result of differences in the study settings, sample size and environmental factors. Moreover, among the 22 MTCT cases, 9.9% mother-to-child transmission of HIV per child birth was recorded in the current study which calls for effective strategies to help reduce MTCT in Ghanaian women living with HIV. The observed MTCT rate highlights gaps in existing prevention programs and underscores the importance of targeted interventions. Strengthening of prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs will play a crucial role in reducing MTCT rates by providing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), counseling, and support services.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoreover, having adequate knowledge of \u0026nbsp;PMTCT is critical in reducing MTCT of HIV\u0026nbsp;[14]. A higher adequate knowledge level of 92.2% was found in this present study compared to previous studies conducted in Ghana by \u0026nbsp;Nyarko, Pencille (14)\u0026nbsp;of 77.0% and\u0026nbsp;Boateng, Kwapong (3)\u0026nbsp;of 10.0%, as well as other countries including Ethiopia (34.9%)\u0026nbsp;[20]\u0026nbsp;and Tanzania (54%)\u0026nbsp;[21]. The higher prevalence observed in the current study compared to previous studies could be as a result of the high educational level of the study participants since most of the participants had some form of higher education level.\u0026nbsp;Consistent with other findings, there was a positive association between having some education and adequate knowledge on PMTCT\u0026nbsp;[21]. Again, the health education that has been taking place in the study area, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for pregnant women on MTCT and PMTCT of HIV during their visits to the antenatal clinic could be a possible reason for their high adequate knowledge level among WLH in the current study. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study found that higher maternal age was significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The older age groups (36-35, 46-55 and 56-74 years) were associated with higher chances of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV compared to younger age group (18-35 years). This finding was in congruence with a previous study by\u0026nbsp;Kassa (11)\u0026nbsp;where older maternal age was found to be a factor associated to MTCT. This finding could be as a result of these older women having given birth to their kids or having already transmitted the disease to their kids before the implementation of PMTCT intervention.\u0026nbsp;Also, people within the age of 18-35 years have access to high quality education and various social media platforms where information on MTCT are readily available.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoreover, having no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy showed higher odds of MTCT. It can be deduced that these participants were not on any prophylaxis or antiretroviral drugs and had higher chances of MTCT. This finding is in congruence with another study by\u0026nbsp;Habte and Namasasu.\u0026nbsp;According to them, women living with HIV who are aware of their status have a\u0026nbsp;reduced desire for procreation and improved contraception use\u0026nbsp;(family planning) which has a good impact on PMTCT\u0026nbsp;[22]. Besides, women with known HIV status prior to pregnancy are placed on prophylaxis which further reduces the rate of MTCT. Therefore, intensifying HIV testing, especially, self-testing will help WLWH know their HIV status prior to pregnancy to reduce MTCT.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, MTCT of HIV was higher in children who did not receive ART prophylaxis compared to children who received ART prophylaxis. This study found that children who did not receive ART prophylaxis at or after birth have more than 11 increased chances of been infected. The finding is in agreement with the findings from studies conducted in Ethiopia by\u0026nbsp;Yitayew, Bekele (23)\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Wudineh and Damtew (19)\u0026nbsp;and Brazil by\u0026nbsp;De Lemos, Lippi (24).\u0026nbsp;It has been reported that ART such as nevirapine has a viral suppression effect thereby blocking RNA\u0026nbsp;and DNA dependent DNA polymerase actions including HIV replication\u0026nbsp;[23]. Thus, ART prophylaxis intake decreases the rate of MTCT of HIV. In contrast, a study conducted in Gondar, Ethiopia found child ART prophylaxis not to be significantly associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV\u0026nbsp;[17]. This disparity could be difference in the study settings and sample sizes. This study finding however, highlights the significance of ART prophylaxis in reducing MTCT.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, our study did not find any significant association between mode of delivery (vaginal delivery, elective caesarean and emergency caesarean) and MTCT. However, a study carried out in Western Europe also discovered that elective cesarean section can stop the transfer of HIV from mother to kid. A study carried out in Italy likewise noted a similar conclusion\u0026nbsp;[11].\u0026nbsp;Also, another study by\u0026nbsp;[10]\u0026nbsp;found that, vaginal delivery and nonelective caesarean delivery were associated with MTCT\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough there was high adequate knowledge level and low inadequate knowledge level on MTCT, our study did not find any significant association between knowledge levels and MTCT. The inadequate knowledge level of MTCT did not show higher chances of MTCT. Likewise, the adequate knowledge level of MTCT did not show lower chances of MTCT. However, a previous study conducted by\u0026nbsp;[14]\u0026nbsp;on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana showed that, high adequate knowledge levels was significantly associated with PMTCT\u0026nbsp;[14]. The insignificant finding in the current study could be as results of the distribution of the participants with over ninety percent having adequate knowledge compared to few percentage with inadequate knowledge on PMTCT. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, it is recommended to take high-risk populations such as higher age groups into account during interventions targeting at PMTCT. Moreover, HIV-related ANC services must be intensified to improve pregnant women\u0026rsquo;s awareness as well as continuous knowledge on MTCT and its prevention to curb the rate of MTCT. Furthermore, the use of ART prophylaxis WLWH during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding and the use of infant ART prophylaxis must be encouraged. Lastly, this study\u0026rsquo;s findings calls for public health intervention on MTCT and enhance PMTCT service provision to minimize rate of mother to child transmission of HIV among Ghanaian population.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere is\u0026nbsp;high prevalence of MTCT (21.4%) and is influenced by higher age group of 36-74 years, no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy as well as children who do not receive ART prophylaxis. This study\u0026rsquo;s findings call for an increased awareness on the knowledge of MTCT, availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for expectant mothers and enhanced HIV testing and treatment for women of reproductive age, including self-testing. \u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eMTCT: Mother-to-Child Transmission \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePMTCT: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWLWH: Women living with HIV/AIDS ()\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIV: Human immunodeficiency virus\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRNA: Ribonucleic acid\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are grateful to study participants, as\u0026nbsp;well as research assistants who contributed in diverse ways to the successful implementation of the study.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSAS and AKE supervised the project; ES, AE and KTY were involved in the statistical analyses; SAS, AE, AKE, ES, KTY, JAN, SO, SAO, SK, FNAG, SKA, OSOM, SA, BA, and NKAB were involved in study design, data curation, methodology, manuscript drafting. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article and can be requested from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors declare that no conflicts of interest exist.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not receive funding from private, government or non-for-profit organization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMariwah S, Kumi-Kyereme A, Tanle A, Esia-Donkoh K, Owusu SA, Atuahene K. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BARRIERS TOWARDS PREVENTION OF MOTHER - TO - CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV IN GHANA. UDS International Journal of Development. 2017;4(1):1-9. doi: 10.47740/151.UDSIJD6i.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO. HIV data and statistics. World Health Organisation. 2023.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoateng D, Kwapong GD, Agyei-Baffour P. Knowledge, perception about antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) and adherence to ART among HIV positive women in the Ashanti Region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women\u0026apos;s Health. 2013;13(1):2. doi: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-2.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUNAIDS. Global HIV \u0026amp; AIDS statistics \u0026mdash; Fact sheet. UNAIDSorg. 2023.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInyang MP, Rimande-Joel R. Mother to child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science. 2015;20(3):33-5.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirhane T, Assefa Tessema G, Addis Alene K, Dadi AF. Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Meket District, Northeast Ethiopia. Journal of Pregnancy. 2015;2015:1-6. doi: 10.1155/2015/960830.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO. Towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: conceptual framework for the Middle East and North Africa. 2012.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAkinsanya OS, Wiseberg-Firtell J, Akpomiemie G, Adeniyi OV, Kaswa R. Evaluation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme at a primary health care centre in South Africa. South African Family Practice. 2017;59(2):56-60.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNACP, GHS. National AIDS Control Programme. Ghana Health Service. 2022.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChiappini E, Galli L, Lisi C, Gabiano C, Esposito S, Giacomet V, et al. Strategies for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Adopted in the \u0026ldquo;Real-World\u0026rdquo; Setting: Data From the Italian Register for HIV-1 Infection in Children. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2018;79(1):54-61.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKassa GM. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC infectious diseases. 2018;18(1):1-9.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO. PMTCT strategic vision 2010-2015: preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV to reach the UNGASS and Millennium Development Goals: moving towards the elimination of paediatric HIV, December 2009. 2010.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDzamboe CE, Manu E, Aku FY, Tarkang EE. Structural elements availability for the provision of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV services among health facilities in the Volta Region of Ghana. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2022;41.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNyarko V, Pencille L, Akoku DA, Tarkang EE. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among pregnant women in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a descriptive cross-sectional design. PAMJ-Clinical Medicine. 2019;1(69).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWang Q, Wang L, Fang L, Wang A, Jin X, Wang F, et al. Timely antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy effectively reduces HIV mother-to-child transmission in eight counties in China: a prospective study during 2004\u0026ndash;2011. Scientific Reports. 2016;6(1):34526.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSama C-B, Feteh VF, Tindong M, Tanyi JT, Bihle NM, Angwafo III FF. Prevalence of maternal HIV infection and knowledge on mother\u0026ndash;to\u0026ndash;child transmission of HIV and its prevention among antenatal care attendees in a rural area in northwest Cameroon. PloS one. 2017;12(2):e0172102.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoye DN, Zeleke BM. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants at a PMTCT clinic in northwest Ethiopia. BMC public health. 2013;13:1-6.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirlie B, Diriba T, Sisay K, Gurmessa A, Seyoum D, Tadesse M. Mother to child HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants: a retrospective follow-up study in Southwest Ethiopia. J AIDS Clin Res. 2016;7(605):2.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWudineh F, Damtew B. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection and its determinants among exposed infants on care and follow-up in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia. AIDS research and treatment. 2016;2016.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuba TR, Feng Z, Gebremedhin SA, Erena AN, Nasser AM, Bishwajit G, et al. Knowledge about mother\u0026ndash;to\u0026ndash;child transmission of HIV, its prevention and associated factors among Ethiopian women. Journal of global health. 2017;7(2).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaile ZT, Teweldeberhan AK, Chertok IR. Correlates of women\u0026apos;s knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and its prevention in Tanzania: a population-based study. AIDS care. 2016;28(1):70-8.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHabte D, Namasasu J. Family planning use among women living with HIV: knowing HIV positive status helps-results from a national survey. Reproductive health. 2015;12(1):1-11.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYitayew YA, Bekele DM, Demissie BW, Menji ZA. Mother to child transmission of HIV and associated factors among HIV exposed infants at public health facilities, Dessie Town, Ethiopia. HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care. 2019:343-50.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDe Lemos LM, Lippi J, Rutherford GW, Duarte GS, Martins NG, Santos VS, et al. Maternal risk factors for HIV infection in infants in northeastern Brazil. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(10):e913-e8.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"HIV/AIDS, Mother, Child, Transmission, Antiretroviral therapy","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c/strong\u003eMother to child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), persists despite the availability of effective prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) strategies. In Ghana, there is limited data on prevalence and the associated factors of mother to child transmission of HIV existing. The PMTCT strategies in Ghana has not been evaluated. This study therefore assessed the prevalence, knowledge and factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV in Kumasi, Ghana.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods:\u003c/strong\u003eThis retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Aninwaa medical Centre and fertility clinic from May 2023 to September 2023. A total of 103 women living with HIV and have ever given birth were sampled. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, knowledge and MTCT transmission rates among study participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0.\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e-values of \u0026lt; 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered significant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003eThe prevalence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) was 21.4%. MTCT was more prevalent among the age group 36-45 years (50.0%), who had primary education (40.9%) and were married (63.6%) with 2-3 children (50.0%). In the logistic regression model, higher age groups 36- 45 (aOR: 20.1, 95% CI (1.45-278.87); \u003cem\u003ep \u003c/em\u003e= 0.025), 46-55 (aOR: 18.33, 95% CI (1.03-325.57); \u003cem\u003ep \u003c/em\u003e= 0.048) and 56-74 (aOR: 76.42, 95% CI (1.87-3131.45); \u003cem\u003ep \u003c/em\u003e= 0.022) were independent predictors of MTCT. Moreover, mothers not knowing their HIV status prior to pregnancy (cOR=9.13) CI; (3.01-27.68), (\u003cem\u003ep \u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001) and children not receiving ART prophylaxis (cOR=8.25), CI; (2.91-23.40), (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.0001) were significantly associated with MTCT.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003eThere is high prevalence of MTCT (21.4%) and is influenced by higher age group of 36-74 years, no knowledge of HIV status prior to pregnancy as well as children who do not receive ART prophylaxis. This study’s findings call for an increased awareness on the knowledge of MTCT, availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for expectant mothers and enhanced HIV testing and treatment for women of reproductive age, including self-testing.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Prior Knowledge and Antiretroviral Therapy Prophylaxis are Associated with Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-07-18 20:31:40","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4375548/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"250356ff-c9f4-4d52-8f4a-4dadac21ce04","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 18th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-03-26T13:53:52+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-07-18 20:31:40","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4375548","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4375548","identity":"rs-4375548","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}