Background: HIV prevalence is high among South African women of reproductive age and transmission of HIV from mothers to children is a concern.This study ascertained the level of knowledge about HIV infection and prevention, particularly prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) amongst South African women from a low income community.It also established the challenges in delivering HIV education from the perspectives of health care volunteers.Method: Female residents (n = 67) from Plant Pots Kenneth Gardens, a low income community in Durban, South Africa were interviewed.In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 health care volunteers who were either health care workers or residents who provided some form of social support in the community.
Results: The majority of respondents indicated that a mother could transmit HIV to her child but were unable to specify how.Many women had general HIV/AIDS knowledge but were unable to identify essential prevention behaviours and were not very receptive to more information on HIV/AIDS.They were supportive of routine testing procedures and child bearing amongst HIV positive women.Health care volunteers indicated a need for a community clinic in the area.They also had limited knowledge of PMTCT and indicated that there was a need for more education on HIV, particularly to encourage Bags the youth and men to use preventative measures.
Conclusion: Innovative ways to impart knowledge particularly of PMTCT and updated standards of practice are essential.It is important that the community understands how transmission occurs so that prevention can follow.