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This study was conducted to assess the quality of PMTCT services provided to HIV positive woman and their HIV exposed infants following the challenges of increasing dropouts. Specific objectives of the study were: to assess the input factors and their effects on the perceived quality to the satisfaction of the clients; and to assess the process factors and their effects on the perceived quality to the satisfaction of the clients. The study employed cross-sectional and descriptive designs in which data collection methods were questionnaire, in-depth interview, observation and documentary analysis. Data was analysed using Atlas it and SPSS version 16. The study findings revealed presence of some supplies and facilities requited for the provision of PMTCT services. However, it has been found that there are gaps/deficiencies in the structure, process and outcome that requited for providing PMTCT services. The study indicated that about half of the respondents had different views, both negative and positive, on the quality of PMTCT they received due to deficiencies in structural and process attributes that resulted in dissatisfaction. The study further showed deficiencies in structural attributes, in which majority of health care providers are not trained in PMTCT services, whereas it has been found that there is stock out of basic drugs for prevention of opportunistic infection. The study had opinions from CHMT concerning the problem of poor implementation at PMTCT services. The most and commonest problem is inadequate supervision. Further analysis indicated gaps in the process, where the majority of midwives demonstrated poor skills in counselling, whereas about half did not gather information. With regard to client provider interaction as they were not involved in the discussion. The study also revealed that none of the midwives used guidelines during provision of PMTCT services. In relation to history taking, it was observed that the majority of midwives did not obtain history and those few who attempted it came out with incomplete history. Almost all women and their HIV exposed infants were not examined. It is concluded that PMTCT services providers in Iringa District are poor quality. |
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