LAUSR

Background Nigeria has the second largest global burden of HIV/AIDS and also contributes the largest proportion of new vertically acquired HIV infections among children. Despite the effort to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic, elimination of mother to child transmission remains a huge challenge. The study aimed to assess the effect of outcome of care on utilization of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services. Methods A multi stage cross sectional study was conducted in 11 states in Nigeria. A systematic random sampling was used to select 365 clients (women living with HIV) receiving PMTCT services in primary and secondary health facilities. Information on PMTCT and outcome of care were extracted using structured questionnaire while descriptive and bivariate data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results Majority (84.6%) of the clients received HIV counselling and testing at ANC clinics while 40.2% were counselled in a group and 26.7% counselled individually. A high proportion (93.8%) of clients were aware of the early infant diagnostic care services being offered while 92.2% were aware of Navirapin drugs being provided daily for 6 weeks at the health facilities. Similarly, majority (90.0%) of the clients were aware that family planning services are provided in the health facilities while 93.8% had access to infant feeding counselling at ANC. There was no significant difference between outcome of care and utilization of PMTCT services. However, majority of clients who utilized PMTCT services had improved outcome of care. Conclusion Increased uptake of PMTCT services at ANC contributed to improved outcome of care of pregnant living with HIV and their children. Effort should be made to ensure more women attend ANC to achieve elimination of mother to child transmission in Nigeria. Disclosure No significant relationships.