Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission among pregnant women in Vinh Long province, Vietnam

This study evaluates the knowledge of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV among pregnant women in Vinh Long province, Vietnam, and identifies factors that affect this knowledge. A cross-sectional study design was employed, surveying 18,034 pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) services across public health facilities in Vinh Long from 2019 to 2021. Data collection involved structured questionnaires focusing on HIV testing and MTCT knowledge, with responses analyzed through logistic regression to ascertain the influence of demographic and socio-economic variables. Findings revealed a low prevalence of comprehensive MTCT knowledge, with only 26.2% of respondents exhibiting adequate understanding. Significant associations were found between MTCT knowledge and age, occupation, education level, and economic status. Specifically, women aged ≤24 and ≥36 years, housewives, and those with lower education or in poor economic conditions had significantly lower knowledge levels. Additionally, first-time mothers and women who received their initial ANC at community health stations or district hospitals were also less informed about MTCT. The study highlights an urgent need for targeted health education programs to improve MTCT awareness, particularly among younger, unemployed, and economically disadvantaged women. Emphasizing the importance of early prenatal care and timely HIV testing, especially in rural areas, can help bridge this knowledge gap and support Vietnam’s goal of reducing MTCT rates by 2030.