Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explored the knowledge, acceptability, and adherence to elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV guidelines among HIV-positive pregnant women in Jaman South Municipality, Bono Region, Ghana. A quantitative study design was employed. The quantitative method involved 250 HIV-positive pregnant women selected through census sampling from health facilities providing eMTCT services. Data were using a structured questionnaire, and data were analysed using SPSS version 28 and presented using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 44.0% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge collected and 38.0% demonstrated moderate knowledge of eMTCT guidelines, indicating that 82.0% possessed moderate-to-high knowledge. Regarding acceptability, 66.0% demonstrated high acceptability and 24.0% demonstrated moderate acceptability, resulting in an overall acceptability rate of 90.0%. The study concludes that although knowledge and acceptability to eMTCT guidelines were generally high. Strengthening counselling, confidentiality, community support systems, and partner involvement may improve programme outcomes and contribute to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
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References
- Adjetey, V., Obiri-Yeboah, D., & Dornoo, B. (2019). Differentiated service delivery: A qualitative study of people living with HIV and accessing care in a tertiary facility in Ghana. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 95.
- Adongo, A. A., Akuoko, K. O., Dapaah, J. M., & Manful, E. (2025). Breastfeeding complexities and sociocultural barriers in the context of preventing perinatal transmission of HIV: A descriptive phenomenology in Northern Ghana. PLoS One, 20(7), e0327353.
- Adongo, A. A., Dapaah, J. M., & Addo, B. (2024). HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of urban Ghanaian pregnant women: Results of a qualitative study. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 21, 100785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2024.100785
- Akweh, T. Y., Adoku, E., Mbiba, F., Teyko, F., Brinsley, T. Y., Boakye Jr., B. A., Aboagye, R. G., & Amu, H. (2025). Prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV Self-Test kit and HIV-Self Testing among Ghanaian women: Multi-level analyses using the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 1161.
- Ali, H., Amoyaw, F., Baden, D., Durand, L., Bronson, M., Kim, A., Grant-Greene, Y., Imtiaz, R., & Swaminathan, M. (2019). Ghana’s HIV epidemic and PEPFAR’s contribution towards epidemic control. Ghana Medical Journal, 53(1), 59–62.
- Ameyaw, E. K., Nutor, J. J., Okiring, J., Yeboah, I., Agbadi, P., Getahun, M., Agbadi, W., & Thompson, R. G. A. (2024). The role of social support in antiretroviral therapy uptake and retention among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. BMC Public Health, 24, 540. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18004-z
- Boateng, D., Kwapong, G. D., & Agyei-Baffour, P. (2013). 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, 13(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-13-2
- Buh, A., Deonandan, R., Gomes, J., Krentel, A., Oladimeji, O., & Yaya, S. (2023). Barriers and facilitators for interventions to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 18(11), e0295046. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295046
- Dame, J. A., Nightingale, K. J., Sefogah, P., Aggrey, I., Ahmed, D., Afrane, A. K. A., & Lowenthal, E. D. (2026). Viral load suppression among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Ghana: A prospective longitudinal study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 26, 1012. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-13282-x
- Dirisu, O., Eluwa, G., Adams, E., Torpey, K., Shittu, O., & Adebajo, S. (2020). "I think this is the only challenge… the stigma": Stakeholder perceptions about barriers to Antenatal Care (ANC) and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) uptake in Kano State, Nigeria. PLoS One, 15(4), e0232028.
- Dyeshana, H. M., & Zuma, S. M. (2025). Contributory factors to the partial implementation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission policy in South Africa. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 25(1), 792.
- Fassinou, L. C., Songwa Nkeunang, D., Delvaux, T., Nagot, N., & Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, F. (2024). Adherence to Option B+ antiretroviral therapy and associated factors in pregnant and breastfeeding women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 94.
- Fedlu, A., Alie, B., Siraj Mohammed, A., Adem, F., & Hassen, A. (2020). Adherence to antiretroviral treatment for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care, 725–733.
- Fonsah, J. Y., Njamnshi, A. K., Kouanfack, C., Qiu, F., Njamnshi, D. M., Tagny, C. T., Nchindap, E., Kenmogne, L., Mbanya, D., & Heaton, R. (2017). Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Yaoundé-Cameroon: Association with opportunistic infections, depression, ART regimen and side effects. PLoS One, 12(1), e0170893.
- Geremew, H., Geremew, D., Abdisa, S., Dessie, A. M., Kassa, G. M., & Moges, N. A. (2023). Adherence to the Option B+ PMTCT program and its predictors among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Science Reports, 6(7), e1404.
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- Ghana AIDS Commission. (2020). National and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections, 2020 [PDF]. Ghana AIDS Commission. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/mcadmin/Uploads/2020%20HIV%20and%20AIDS%20Estimates%20and%20Projections%20PDF.pdf
- Ghana Health Service; Ministry of Health. (2022, October). Consolidated guidelines for HIV care in Ghana: Test, treat & track. Accra, Ghana: Ghana Health Service. Retrieved from https://www.differentiatedservicedelivery.org/wp-content/uploads/Consolidated-Guidelines-For-Hiv-Care-In-Ghana.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (2024). The urgency of now: AIDS at a crossroads: Global AIDS update 2024. UNAIDS.
- Laar, A. S., & Govender, V. (2013). Individual and community perspectives, attitudes, and practices on mother-to-child transmission and infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review. International Journal of MCH and AIDS, 2(1), 153.
- Laar, A. S., Dalinjong, P. A., Ntim-Adu, C., & Anaman-Torgbor, J. A. (2018). Understanding health facility challenges in the implementation of Option B+ guidelines in Ghana: The perspectives of health workers. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy, 2(6).
- Mabuka, S., Lowane, M. P., Nesengani, T. V., & Simbeni, T. V. (2025). Adherence, perceptions and knowledge of an HIV PMTCT programme: A mother-baby pair study. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 26(1), 1648.
- Méda, Z. C., Der A, S., Hien, H., Kouanda, I., Hien, L., & Sankara, N. (2020). Determinants of the Health Services Limited the Supply of Care Related to the Second Pillar of the Prevention of Mother-Child Transmission of HIV in the Region of Hauts Bassins, Burkina Faso. J. Women's Health Care, 3, 1.
- Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), 507. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09325-w
- Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24, 507. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09325-w
- Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), 507.
- Momplaisir, F. M., Fortune, K., Nkwihoreze, H., Groves, A. K., Aaron, E., & Jemmott III, J. B. (2021). Outcome expectancies toward adherence to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and postpartum women with HIV. Women’s Health, 17, 17455065211061094.
- Mukomafhedzi, N., Tshitangano, T., & Tshivhase, S. (2025). Barriers and Facilitators to the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Nursing Reports, 15(9), 318.
- Simelane, P. T., Simelane, M. S., & Amoateng, A. Y. (2022). Barriers and facilitators to adherence for antiretroviral therapy: The perspectives of patients from a wellness centre in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. African Health Sciences, 22(3), 455–462.
- Tabb, Z., Moriarty, K., Schrier, M. W., Amekah, E., Flanigan, T. P., & Lartey, M. (2017). Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling in Ghana. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 100(8), 19.
- Tait, C. L., Peters, R. P., McIntyre, J. A., Mnyani, C. N., Chersich, M. F., Grey, G., Buchmann, E. J., Struthers, H., & Violari, A. (2020). Implementation of a PMTCT programme in a high HIV prevalence setting in Johannesburg, South Africa: 2002–2015. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 21(1), 1–7.
- UNAIDS. (2019). Country progress report — Ghana: Global AIDS monitoring 2019. Geneva: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents/GHA_2019_countryreport.pdf
- UNAIDS. (2019). Country Progress Report-Ghana: Global AIDS Monitoring.
- UNICEF. (2017). Monitoring the situation of women and children: Elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). UNICEF Data. https://data.unicef.org/topic/hivaids/eMTCT/
- Wessels, J., Sherman, G., Bamford, L., Makua, M., Ntloana, M., Nuttall, J., Pillay, Y., Goga, A., & Feucht, U. (2020). The updated South African national guideline for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of communicable infections (2019). Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 21(1).
- World Health Organisation. (2015). Guideline on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Geneva: WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241509565
- World Health Organisation. (2016). Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection: Recommendations for a public health approach (2nd ed.). World Health Organisation. http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/arv/arv-2016/en/
- World Health Organisation. (2021). Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring: Recommendations for a public health approach. World Health Organisation.
- World Health Organisation. (2025). HIV data and statistics. https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/strategic-information/hiv-data-and-statistics#:~:text=%2A%20In%202024%2C%2087,aware%20of%20their%20HIV%20status
- Ziblim, A. M., Inusah, A.-H. S., & Boah, M. (2024). Perceptions of patients and healthcare providers regarding barriers and enablers of HIV anti-retroviral therapy among women at a regional hospital in Ghana: Implications for national HIV/AIDS control. BMC Women’s Health, 24(1), 459.
References
Adjetey, V., Obiri-Yeboah, D., & Dornoo, B. (2019). Differentiated service delivery: A qualitative study of people living with HIV and accessing care in a tertiary facility in Ghana. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 95.
Adongo, A. A., Akuoko, K. O., Dapaah, J. M., & Manful, E. (2025). Breastfeeding complexities and sociocultural barriers in the context of preventing perinatal transmission of HIV: A descriptive phenomenology in Northern Ghana. PLoS One, 20(7), e0327353.
Adongo, A. A., Dapaah, J. M., & Addo, B. (2024). HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of urban Ghanaian pregnant women: Results of a qualitative study. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 21, 100785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2024.100785
Akweh, T. Y., Adoku, E., Mbiba, F., Teyko, F., Brinsley, T. Y., Boakye Jr., B. A., Aboagye, R. G., & Amu, H. (2025). Prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV Self-Test kit and HIV-Self Testing among Ghanaian women: Multi-level analyses using the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 1161.
Ali, H., Amoyaw, F., Baden, D., Durand, L., Bronson, M., Kim, A., Grant-Greene, Y., Imtiaz, R., & Swaminathan, M. (2019). Ghana’s HIV epidemic and PEPFAR’s contribution towards epidemic control. Ghana Medical Journal, 53(1), 59–62.
Ameyaw, E. K., Nutor, J. J., Okiring, J., Yeboah, I., Agbadi, P., Getahun, M., Agbadi, W., & Thompson, R. G. A. (2024). The role of social support in antiretroviral therapy uptake and retention among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. BMC Public Health, 24, 540. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18004-z
Boateng, D., Kwapong, G. D., & Agyei-Baffour, P. (2013). 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, 13(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-13-2
Buh, A., Deonandan, R., Gomes, J., Krentel, A., Oladimeji, O., & Yaya, S. (2023). Barriers and facilitators for interventions to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 18(11), e0295046. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295046
Dame, J. A., Nightingale, K. J., Sefogah, P., Aggrey, I., Ahmed, D., Afrane, A. K. A., & Lowenthal, E. D. (2026). Viral load suppression among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Ghana: A prospective longitudinal study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 26, 1012. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-13282-x
Dirisu, O., Eluwa, G., Adams, E., Torpey, K., Shittu, O., & Adebajo, S. (2020). "I think this is the only challenge… the stigma": Stakeholder perceptions about barriers to Antenatal Care (ANC) and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) uptake in Kano State, Nigeria. PLoS One, 15(4), e0232028.
Dyeshana, H. M., & Zuma, S. M. (2025). Contributory factors to the partial implementation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission policy in South Africa. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 25(1), 792.
Fassinou, L. C., Songwa Nkeunang, D., Delvaux, T., Nagot, N., & Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, F. (2024). Adherence to Option B+ antiretroviral therapy and associated factors in pregnant and breastfeeding women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 94.
Fedlu, A., Alie, B., Siraj Mohammed, A., Adem, F., & Hassen, A. (2020). Adherence to antiretroviral treatment for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care, 725–733.
Fonsah, J. Y., Njamnshi, A. K., Kouanfack, C., Qiu, F., Njamnshi, D. M., Tagny, C. T., Nchindap, E., Kenmogne, L., Mbanya, D., & Heaton, R. (2017). Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Yaoundé-Cameroon: Association with opportunistic infections, depression, ART regimen and side effects. PLoS One, 12(1), e0170893.
Geremew, H., Geremew, D., Abdisa, S., Dessie, A. M., Kassa, G. M., & Moges, N. A. (2023). Adherence to the Option B+ PMTCT program and its predictors among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Science Reports, 6(7), e1404.
Ghana AIDS Commission. (2020). National and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections. Accra: Ghana AIDS Commission. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/mcadmin/Uploads/2020%20HIV%20and%20AIDS%20Estimates%20and%20Projections%20PDF.pdf
Ghana AIDS Commission. (2020). National and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections, 2020 [PDF]. Ghana AIDS Commission. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/mcadmin/Uploads/2020%20HIV%20and%20AIDS%20Estimates%20and%20Projections%20PDF.pdf
Ghana Health Service; Ministry of Health. (2022, October). Consolidated guidelines for HIV care in Ghana: Test, treat & track. Accra, Ghana: Ghana Health Service. Retrieved from https://www.differentiatedservicedelivery.org/wp-content/uploads/Consolidated-Guidelines-For-Hiv-Care-In-Ghana.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (2024). The urgency of now: AIDS at a crossroads: Global AIDS update 2024. UNAIDS.
Laar, A. S., & Govender, V. (2013). Individual and community perspectives, attitudes, and practices on mother-to-child transmission and infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review. International Journal of MCH and AIDS, 2(1), 153.
Laar, A. S., Dalinjong, P. A., Ntim-Adu, C., & Anaman-Torgbor, J. A. (2018). Understanding health facility challenges in the implementation of Option B+ guidelines in Ghana: The perspectives of health workers. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy, 2(6).
Mabuka, S., Lowane, M. P., Nesengani, T. V., & Simbeni, T. V. (2025). Adherence, perceptions and knowledge of an HIV PMTCT programme: A mother-baby pair study. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 26(1), 1648.
Méda, Z. C., Der A, S., Hien, H., Kouanda, I., Hien, L., & Sankara, N. (2020). Determinants of the Health Services Limited the Supply of Care Related to the Second Pillar of the Prevention of Mother-Child Transmission of HIV in the Region of Hauts Bassins, Burkina Faso. J. Women's Health Care, 3, 1.
Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), 507. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09325-w
Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24, 507. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09325-w
Mohammed, H., Kebir, M. S., Obiribea, C., Essuman, M. A., & Ahinkorah, B. O. (2024). Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), 507.
Momplaisir, F. M., Fortune, K., Nkwihoreze, H., Groves, A. K., Aaron, E., & Jemmott III, J. B. (2021). Outcome expectancies toward adherence to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and postpartum women with HIV. Women’s Health, 17, 17455065211061094.
Mukomafhedzi, N., Tshitangano, T., & Tshivhase, S. (2025). Barriers and Facilitators to the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Nursing Reports, 15(9), 318.
Simelane, P. T., Simelane, M. S., & Amoateng, A. Y. (2022). Barriers and facilitators to adherence for antiretroviral therapy: The perspectives of patients from a wellness centre in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. African Health Sciences, 22(3), 455–462.
Tabb, Z., Moriarty, K., Schrier, M. W., Amekah, E., Flanigan, T. P., & Lartey, M. (2017). Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling in Ghana. Rhode Island Medical Journal, 100(8), 19.
Tait, C. L., Peters, R. P., McIntyre, J. A., Mnyani, C. N., Chersich, M. F., Grey, G., Buchmann, E. J., Struthers, H., & Violari, A. (2020). Implementation of a PMTCT programme in a high HIV prevalence setting in Johannesburg, South Africa: 2002–2015. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 21(1), 1–7.
UNAIDS. (2019). Country progress report — Ghana: Global AIDS monitoring 2019. Geneva: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents/GHA_2019_countryreport.pdf
UNAIDS. (2019). Country Progress Report-Ghana: Global AIDS Monitoring.
UNICEF. (2017). Monitoring the situation of women and children: Elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). UNICEF Data. https://data.unicef.org/topic/hivaids/eMTCT/
Wessels, J., Sherman, G., Bamford, L., Makua, M., Ntloana, M., Nuttall, J., Pillay, Y., Goga, A., & Feucht, U. (2020). The updated South African national guideline for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of communicable infections (2019). Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 21(1).
World Health Organisation. (2015). Guideline on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Geneva: WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241509565
World Health Organisation. (2016). Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection: Recommendations for a public health approach (2nd ed.). World Health Organisation. http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/arv/arv-2016/en/
World Health Organisation. (2021). Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring: Recommendations for a public health approach. World Health Organisation.
World Health Organisation. (2025). HIV data and statistics. https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/strategic-information/hiv-data-and-statistics#:~:text=%2A%20In%202024%2C%2087,aware%20of%20their%20HIV%20status
Ziblim, A. M., Inusah, A.-H. S., & Boah, M. (2024). Perceptions of patients and healthcare providers regarding barriers and enablers of HIV anti-retroviral therapy among women at a regional hospital in Ghana: Implications for national HIV/AIDS control. BMC Women’s Health, 24(1), 459.
