DETERMINANT OF HIV TRANSMISSION DURING PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN OSOGBO, OSUNSTATE, NIGERIA

Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO), HIV are virus that attacks the body ‘s immune system, especially the CD4 T - cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. These can be transmitted via infected bodily fluids which includes blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during the prenatal period, labour and delivery, or through breastfeeding. HIV infection is a pandemic affecting the world, but sub- Saharan Africa has a higher burden. At the end of 2018, approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV globally, while 770,000 people died from HIV-related illnesses within the same period which women of reproductive age and children are the most vulnerable groups. Aim: To investigate the knowledge, attitude, perception, socio cultures factors and prevention practices of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in selected communities in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Methodology: The survey was carried out among 300 women of reproductive age in Okefia, Ogo oluwa, Oke baale, Isale aro and Odi olowo. Data collection was done using semi- structured questionnaire. The data collected was entered and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product for Service Solution) version 25.0. Results: Findings revealed that regarding the educational level, no formal education had 0 (0.0%) with poor knowledge and (100.0%) with good knowledge. Primary had 3 (37.5%) for poor knowledge and 5 (62.5%) for good knowledge. Similarly for secondary participant, 3 (2.6%) with poor knowledge and 112 (97.4%) with good knowledge. Also, tertiary participant has no record for poor knowledge but has 176 (100.0%) for good knowledge. The chi-square value statistics 20.439 with a p-value less than 0.001, showing a marginal association that is statistically significant. Also, regarding religion, Christian participants had 5 (2.9%) with poor knowledge and 165 (97.1%) with good knowledge. Among Muslims, 1 (0.8%) had poor knowledge while 126 (99.2%) had good knowledge. Participants practicing traditional religions showed that 0 (0.0%) had poor knowledge compared to 3 (100.0%) with good knowledge. The chi-square value statistics 2.028 with a p-value of 0.363, suggesting no significant association between religion and knowledge level. Conclusion: In conclusion, the level of knowledge regarding HIV among the respondents was notably substantial, with over eighty percent (80%) having knowledge of HIV, primary through school.