Serostatus And Frequency Of Ill Health Among Hiv Exposed Infants In Ishaka Adventist Hospital.

ABSTRACT

This research was done to determine the sero-status and frequency of ill health of HIV exposed

infants in Ishaka Adventist hospital. it was a cross sectional descriptive study design in which a

convenience sampling (opportunity or grab sampling) technique was used in that interviewer

administered questionnaires was given to any available respondent who meets the required

inclusion criteria at that particular time of day, this was done until a saturation point of 100

respondents is reached.

A modified 2nd Edition Questionnaires were used as tools for collecting data. Data was analyzed

scientifically by the use of EPI info and SPSS and interpreted into tables’ pie charts and figures

by the use of Microsoft office excel version 2007.

It was discovered that majority of respondents more than 70 percent have knowledge on what

is PMTCT and the advantages of PMTCT programs to pregnant mothers and they said during

this time of services is when the sero-status of the mother is determined and preventive

measures taken.

They mention some of the advantages as; Prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS to the child

during delivery, Screening exercise to know mothers sero-status, Starting on ARVs in case

screened positive, regular medical checkups for other conditions. But they also say that this

services are not possible and it leads to mothers transmitting HIV to their infants because of not

being screened on time and also not delivering from the health facility because of the following

reasons like; poverty, Distance is too far to health facility, travelling means are expensive and

ignorance as some of many factors. Hence, the government should encourage health education

on PMTCT thus regular medical checkups, regular Screening, change of lifestyle to medically positive style, availing Health facilities near to people and eradication of poverty.