An exploration of the barriers (socio-cultural) to successful implementation of PMTCT in Eastern Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research provides some insight into some of the socio-cultural barriershindering the implementation of MTCT programmes in Eastern Cape. In mostparts of the world today, HIV infection is increasing faster among women morethan men. The resulting infection of women is that many babies born to HIVmother become automatically infected.Mother-to-Child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is most significant source of HIVinfection in children. Of the estimated 36 million people living with HIV/AIDS, 1.4million are children (UNAIDS, 2002).The devastating effect of MTCT, prompted the South African government toinitiate an urgent programme. In 2000, the SA government set up 18 pilot sites,including 2 sites in Eastern-Cape; the East London Complex, to curb childrenHIV infection.However, four years after the inception of the programme its success stilldepends largely on many factors, one of which is the socio-cultural barrier. Thisresearch therefore set out to explore some aspect of these socio-cultural barriersthat is hindering the PMTCT programme in Eastern Cape. The research reportconsists of five chapters.Chapter 1. Deals with the introduction into the topic.Chapter 2. Summarises the literature on PMTCT associated with the research,as well as risk factors associated with PMTCT and possible interventions thatwere identified in various literature that attempts to reduce MTCT.Chapter 3. Focus on the research methodology. It explains the study design, theresearch aim and objectives, the study population and data analysis resultingfrom the research.Chapter 4. The results of the research findings is discussed in-dept in thischapter. An overarching theme of high level of societal stigma emerged as thekey socio-cultural barrier.Chapter 5. This chapter discusses the identified socio-cultural barrier as well aspossible recommendations as to how to address some of these barriers and alsosuggestion for further research.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University