The relationship between the level of HIV antenatal self care knowledge and HIV self care antenatal care practices among HIV positive women age 18-40 years at Chinhoyi provincial hospital.

Abstract

Lack of adaptation of good HIV antenatal self care practice may lead to a rise in both maternal and infant mortality rates, through mother to child transmission of HIV. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the level of HIV antenatal self care knowledge and the nature of HIV Antenatal Self Care Practices among HIV positive pregnant women at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital. Orem’s self care deficit model was utilized to provide a theoretical framework to guide the study. A descriptive co-relational design was used to guide the study. A sample of 80 mothers was selected using simple random sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was administered by the investigator through face to face interaction. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic, dependant and independent variables. Inferential statistics by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were computed to examine the relationship between the levels of HIV antenatal self care knowledge and the nature of the HIV antenatal self care practices. Pearson's correlation coefficient test showed a moderate significant positive relationship between the variables (r = .252*, p< = .01. The regression analysis gave a significant effect at R² = 064 (F = 5,300). The findings showed that the nature of HIV antenatal self care practices account for 34% positive modification, meaning other factors other than the acquired levels of antenatal self care knowledge account for the remaining percentage. Varying patterns to knowing resulted in varying responses in utilization of acquired levels of knowledge by the study subjects. It is recommended that Midwives identify knowledge patterns held by child bearing women in their areas and come up with strategies of adequately addressing those, to help them utilize the knowledge they acquire adequately and effectively.