Barriers to prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child (PMTCT) in a resource poor setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge of PMTCT and to describe potential barriers that might affect acceptability of interventions for PMTCT in a resource poor setting in South Africa. The sample included 1534 pregnant women recruited at first antenatal care visit from 5 clinics implementing PMTCT (61%) and from 5 communities around the 5 clinic areas (39%). In addition, the mothers or mothers-in-law (70.9%) and husbands or partners (58.2%) of the pregnant women were interviewed at their homes. Results indicate that major potential barriers in implementing PMTCT programmes in a resource poor setting included physical access to the health facility, PMTCT knowledge, stigma and support, HIV testing, and delivery preference.