Prevalence and Determinants of HIV Testing for The Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission Among Women in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Despite global progress in prevention and treatment, mother-to-child transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although HIV testing has been integrated into routine antenatal care, disparities persist across regions and socio-economic groups, underscoring the need to ensure equitable access to prevention services for women in Ghana. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of HIV testing for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission among women in Ghana, and examined women’s knowledge and socio-demographic inequalities in the uptake of HIV testing. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), involving a weighted sample of 8,580 women aged 15–49 years who had a live birth within the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of HIV knowledge and testing. Results: The study showed that 88.4% of women were tested for HIV and received their results, but only 36.3% demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. Women aged 20–29 years, those with secondary or higher education, and those from middle to richest wealth quintiles were significantly more likely to have comprehensive knowledge and to undergo HIV testing. Conversely, women living with a partner and those from the poorest households were less likely to do so. Place of residence and most ethnic groups showed no independent associations with testing after adjustment. Conclusion: Ghana has made considerable progress in expanding antenatal HIV testing; however, persistent inequalities in knowledge and uptake remain. Strengthening targeted education, addressing socio-economic barriers, and promoting male involvement will be critical to achieving universal prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.