Husbands’ knowledge of the timing of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Gacho Baba District, Southern Ethiopia, 2024

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia. Husbands' knowledge of the timing of MTCT is critical for improving the uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services. This study assessed husbands' knowledge of MTCT timing and associated factors in Gacho Baba District, Southern Ethiopia, in 2024. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 randomly selected husbands. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with husbands' knowledge of MTCT, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals used to determine statistical significance at p < 0.05. Overall, 40.7% of husbands had good knowledge of the timing of MTCT. Prior HIV testing, attainment of secondary education, awareness of PMTCT services, home visits by health extension workers, and accompanying spouses to maternal health services were positively associated with good knowledge, whereas being a merchant was negatively associated. Less than half of husbands had adequate knowledge of the timing of MTCT of HIV. Strengthening health extension worker outreach, promoting male HIV testing, increasing awareness of PMTCT services, and addressing occupation-related barriers may improve MTCT knowledge and enhance PMTCT service utilization.