Vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child remains a problem in Zimbabwe
and the world over. HAART adherence rate of at least 95% is essential and it is noted that it
can reduce vertical transmission by less than 1%. However such high adherence rates could
only be achieved when HIV positive pregnant women have optimum knowledge regarding
HAART. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge of
HAART and adherence levels among HIV positive pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years
attending antenatal care Marondera Provincial Hospital Family Child Care Department. A
descriptive correlation study design was used to guide the study. A sample of 80 participants
was selected using systematic sampling. HIV positive pregnant women meeting the inclusion
criteria participated in the study. Data was collected through interviews with the aid of a
structured interview schedule. Pender’s Health Promotion Model was used to guide the study.
Frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and dispersion and inferential statistics
were used to present findings in relation to the demographic variables, HAART adherence
practices and knowledge regarding HAART. Pearson correlation coefficient test was (r =
0.197 p – value 0.081). The results showed that a weak positive non-significant correlation
existed between adherence to HAART and knowledge regarding HAART. The findings of
this study indicated that only 25% of the respondents had high levels of knowledge regarding
HAART and only 17.5% had high levels of adherence hence one can safely infer that the
moderate to low levels of knowledge in the majority of the respondents 75% could have a
bearing on suboptimal adherence. The study recommends intensification of health education
and counseling on HAART inorder to empower HIV+ pregnant women with relevant
knowledge that could lead to attainment of optimum HAART adherence. Major challenges
facing respondents on HAART were issues regarding disclosure for 33.3% and stigma and
discrimination 23.1%. This points to need for midwives to address these important
psychosocial barriers to optimum adherence by not only harnessing male participation in
PMTCT issues but also through community involvement.