QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON ANTENATAL CARE AND PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD HIV TRANSMISSION SERVICES AT GAMBELLA REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN GAMBELLA, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This thesis intended to assess quality of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services provided to pregnant HIV positive mothers at Gambella Hospital in Gambella, Western Ethiopia. In the study, mixed research design in which more of qualitative research methods and less of quantitative research methods mainly descriptive survey were employed. The study participants were users of the PMTCT services who were also by default went through other services like HCT and ANC. It was found that different aspects related to PMTCT services, such as ANC, HCT/VCT, family planning, ART, and PMTCT counseling services were provided to the infected pregnant mothers at the Gambella Hospital. The mothers were aware of the availability of these services through health education by the HEWs, and distributed leaflets and posted informative posters. Thus, none of the clients rejected the services provided. There was generally 55.0% satisfactory level on the part of the clients because 60.7% and 80.0% of them confirmed as highly satisfied and satisfied, respectively. Nevertheless, there were various internal and external factors, like limited efforts by the concerned stakeholders, blame and reluctance of the husbands, lack of awareness of the community members about the services, limited level of trust on result of blood screening for HIV, and cultural factors negatively impacted on the utilization of the services. The clients, however, showed positive attitude to the intensive and helpful services provided at the Hospital. It is, therefore argued that the provisions of those services have been successful, but less emphasis is given to the necessary supplies and inputs in the effective implementation of the Programme. It is also suggested that all concerned stakeholders at different levels should perform their actual duties and responsibilities by working shoulder-to-shoulder to improve the quality of those services.