Abstract

This study was carried out at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara District with the purpose of identifying the factors influencing low utilization of elimination of Mother to child Transmission (eMTCT) services by pregnant mothers. A descriptive design was employed and 81 respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected using interview guides. The study found out that respondents faced various socio-economic factors influencing utilization of eMTCT services by pregnant mothers. For instance, although all respondents 81 (100%) had ever heard about eMTCT services and 50 (62%) obtained information about eMTCT services from health workers, most 50 (61.7%) understood eMTCT as giving ARVs to the mother and baby and 40 (80%) prevention of MTCT as a benefit of eMTCT. However, 60 (74.1%) felt stigmatized because of using eMTCT services and most 40 (66.7%) were stigmatized by their friends and 40 (49%) sometimes got support from their husbands in accessing eMTCT services. Other factors included 20 (24.7%) labeling and stigmatization, 16 (19.7%) lack of support, 13 (16.2%) unemployment and 12 (14.8%) poverty among others. Respondents also faced various health facility factors influencing utilization of eMTCT services by pregnant mothers and although most 50 (62%) reported that they had ever attended eMTCT services, most 35 (70%) did not find the services confidential, 30 (60%) said eMTCT services were not available all the time despite 50 (62%) health workers having positive attitudes towards pregnant mothers utilizing eMTCT services. In conclusion, the study found out that pregnant mothers faced both socio economic and health facility factors influencing utilization of eMTCT services at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The key recommendations included improving male partner support, ensuring ready availability of services, health education about how to reduce stigma attached to the illness as well as the importance and benefits of eMTCT services