Abstract

The study was done to assess the knowledge and practice of maternal care to HIV-negative
children less than 2 years of HIV-positive mothers in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. A
quantitative cross section study approach was conducted in order to assess the knowledge
and practice of maternal care to HIV-negative children less than 2 years of HIV-positive
mothers in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. The qualitative data collected was statistically
analyzed and documented using Microsoft Excel and Word version 2019 which was then
analyzed. Most of the respondents (64%) and were aged 21-26 years, 23% were aged 15-20
years. Majority (39%) of the respondents were Catholic, 28% were Anglicans, 12% Muslims
and 21% from other religions other than the traditional protestants, catholic and Muslim.
Most respondents (72%) were married, 18% were single mothers and 7% were either divorced
or separated. Most respondents (49%) had 3-4 children while a few (14%) had 5 children and
more. Most respondents (59%) had formal education up to primary level and only (9%) had
made it to tertiary level. The vast majority of respondents had extensive understanding of
PMTCT. However, the study's findings revealed that participants had very little knowledge of
other topics, such as practices that could expose children to HIV after birth. Respondents
had a generally favorable opinion regarding HIV PMTCT.