Assessment of Male Partners Influence on Pregnant Women Towards Voluntary HIV Testing and Support on Pmtct in Hospitals of Addis Ababa
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Women traditionally have suffered socio-cultural and economic
discrimination. Thus they are easily influenced by their partners’ decisions even
on issues related to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Inadequate male involvement in pregnancy and PMTCT of HIV programmes
have been identified as major bottlenecks to effective programme
implementation.
Objective: This study was designed to assess the male partners influence and
factors on pregnant women towards voluntary HIV testing and support on
PMTCT in hospitals of Addis Ababa.
Method and Materials: Cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured
pre-tested questionnaire on 423 HIV pre-test counseled pregnant women at five
public hospitals that provide PMTCT services in Addis Ababa. The study was
complimented with four FGDs and it was launched from December 2006 to
January 2007.
Key findings: Male partners, who had presented to PMTCT centers along with
women, were found to be 10.4%; and 47.3% of the pregnant women were
reported to be influenced by their male partners on decision of HIV testing. Those
women who had not influenced by their male partners on HIV testing 2.56 times
likely to accept HIV testing than who had not. Multiple factors were looked in
study whether an association exists with male partner influence on pregnant
Assessment of male partners influence on pregnant women towards voluntary HIV testing and support on PMTCT in hospitals of Addis Ababa.
By: Abenet Takele
vii
women towards HIV testing or not: being married [AOR (95%CI) = 3.35(1.66-
11.38)], living with the male partner [AOR (95%CI) = 3.23(1.09-8.41)],
economical dependence [AOR (95% CI) = 3.09 (1.84-5.90)]. Pregnant women
need their male partner psychological, social and financial support as well as
active involvement in PMTCT services in order to utilize the service properly.
Recommendations: Besides intensifying IEC program to encourage the male
partners to utilize PMTCT, care and support the pregnant women, empowering of
women to make informed choices about VCT and PMTCT in providing intensive
information were suggested. Supporting women to become economically
independent through income generating projects as well as the strengthening of
male friendly counseling at PMTCT providing institutions were also
recommended.
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Assessment of Male Partners Influence on Pregnant Women Towards