Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Raymond M. Panas

Abstract

HIV infection is still a public health issue in Nigeria. One of the sustainable development goal targets is to eliminate new HIV infections by the year 2030. Women of childbearing age are a vital group to focus on in eliminating new infections because HIV infection can be transmitted from women to their partners and their children. Nigeria accounts for about one-third of the cases of mother-to-child infections in the world. The purpose of this three manuscript dissertation was to investigate socioecological factors, demographic factors and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection (MTCT) as they relate to HIV testing in women of childbearing age. Social-ecological model of health promotion was used as the theoretical framework for the studies. Data from women aged 15 to 49 years that participated in the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed using logistic regression. Knowledge about HIV, attitude to HIV, perceived risk of HIV, age, marital status, employment status, educational status, knowledge of prevention of MTCT, knowledge of MTCT during delivery and breastfeeding were positive predictors of HIV testing. At the same time, cultural belief about HIV and geographic location were negative predictors of HIV testing. Knowledge of MTCT during pregnancy and comprehensive knowledge of MTCT were not predictors of HIV testing. This study provides insight into the areas to focus on by programs to enhance HIV testing in women of childbearing age to eliminate MTCT. The positive social change implications of this study include its contribution in achieving the UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 target and the sustainable development goal of zero new HIV infections by 2030.

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