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

Abstract

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