Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41906091›Full record

ArticleBMC public health2026

Pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards the integration of HIV/AIDS counselling and testing into routine antenatal care in Ghana: a cross-sectional study in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Memunatu Abdulai, Muhammad Mu-Utasim Yahaya, Julius W Adong, Gordon Dugle, Umar Haruna, Yaa Nyarko Adjeso, Ruth Nimota Nukpezah, Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro

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Article in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

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8 authors.

Memunatu AbdulaiDepartment of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Muhammad Mu-Utasim YahayaDepartment of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Public Policy and Governance, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana.
Julius W AdongDepartment of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Gordon DugleDepartment of Management Studies, School of Business, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana.
Umar HarunaDepartment of Social and Behavioural Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Yaa Nyarko AdjesoDepartment of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Ruth Nimota NukpezahDepartment of Preventive Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Gilbert Abotisem AbiiroDepartment of Health Services, Policy, Planning, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, P. O. Box 1883, Tamale, Ghana. gabiiro@uds.edu.gh.

Funding

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6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundRoutine Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Counselling and Testing (HCT) is essential in eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV/AIDS. In Ghana, HCT guidelines have been integrated into routine antenatal care (ANC) to enhance EMTCT outcomes. However, little evidence exists on the factors associated with pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) towards this policy initiative. This study assessed the KAB of pregnant women towards the integration of HCT into routine ANC and the associated factors in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

methodsA quantitative approach with a facility-based cross-sectional design was adopted. A multi-level stratified sampling technique was used to select 384 pregnant women receiving ANC at nine health facilities. Data were collected between August and October, 2024 using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and modified Poisson regression modelling were done using STATA 15.

resultsThe results showed that most pregnant women (65.1%) were aware of the HCT guidelines. Overall, 78.9%, 65.1% and 58.6% demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes and good behaviours respectively towards the HCT guidelines. Majority (87.2%) tested for HIV, 64.1% received post-test counselling services while 21.1% underwent joint counselling and testing with their partners. At the 5% significance level, higher education, peri-urban residence, high gravida and perceived easiness of access to HCT were statistically significantly associated with higher knowledge. Higher education, high gravida, no experience with or low perceived HCT-related stigma were significantly associated with positive attitudes while age, income and perceived confidentiality during HCT were significantly associated with good behaviours. Overall, higher knowledge was statistically significantly associated with positive behaviours (APR = 1.60, 95% CI of 1.16–2.22).

conclusionDespite the relatively higher knowledge and positive attitudes reported in the study, the behaviours of the pregnant women towards the Ghana HCT guidelines were relatively less favourable. The findings suggest that improving HIV/AIDS education during ANC, alongside increasing partner involvement and confidentiality measures, could enhance the uptake of routine HCT among pregnant women.

Indexed as

CounselingHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHIV InfectionsHIV TestingPregnancy Complications, InfectiousPregnant PeoplePrenatal CareAdolescentAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGhanaHumansInfectious Disease Transmission, VerticalPregnancySurveys and QuestionnairesAttitudeBehaviourCounselling and TestingGhanaHIV/AIDSKnowledge

Identifiers

PMID41906091
PMCPMC13154434

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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