Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the global problem. The HIV virus lowers the immunity of the body, although the use of ARV drugs shows the positive effect by maintain the CD4 count and lower the viral load. The use of ART during the pregnancy and breastfeeding is important for reducing transmission of HIV from the mother to the child together with preserving maternal health.
Methodology: Cross sectional was done within May to June 2019 conducted in PMTCT clinic at KCMC Moshi, which is located in Northern Tanzania. The study was involved Pregnant and Breastfeeding women infected with HIV with sample size of 240 clients. The data was filled in Microsoft excel and analysed by statistical software SPSS version 20.
Results: Among 240 participants, 13.3% client had poor knowledge, 49.2% were in average and 36.5% had high knowledge and adherence to ART. Of all participants 240 about 51.7% didn’t experience and side effect while about 48.3% experience side effects. Of all 240 participants, 58% were using TLE and among them 12.8% got headache, 5.7% insomnia, 4.3% nausea, 11.3% fatigue, 5.0% skin rashes, 4.3% flatulence, 12.8% somnolence, 12.1% dizziness and 18.4% nightmares.
Conclusion: 49.2% of the pregnant and breastfeeding women who attending PMTCT clinic at KCMC have moderate knowledge concerning to adherence of ART. A single ART was observed to have more than one side effects and different ART may account to same side effects.