Assessing Male Involvement in HIV-Related Services in Western Kenya

Background: Men's active involvement in HIV-related services is fundamental in promoting family health. This study examined reasons for men's involvement in HIV-related services offered by AMPATH as a way to discover the reasons for their participation or lack thereof.

Methods: Data were collected from 146 men and women during 16 focus group discussions at four different AMPATH clinics. Four different groups of participants were recruited: 1) male spouses of women who were enrolled in pMTCT within the past 12 months, 2) married men who are participating in support groups of the AMPATH Support Network, and 3) HIV + married women who are currently enrolled in pMTCT, and 4) HIV – married women who are currently enrolled in pMTCT. Demographic information was collected from each participant using a written questionnaire. The focus group discussion questions were based on three primary areas: social/cultural factors, structural factors, and methods and strategies to increase male involvement. Analyses were conducted using standard procedures to identify themes within the data.

Results: From the focus group discussions, seven themes were identified that both men and women perceived to either facilitate or challenge men's involvement in the HIV-related programs offered by AMPATH. These included: 1) work-related challenges, 2) spousal and familial relationships, 3) child and parent well-being, 4) HIV-related stigma, 5) cultural and gender norms, 6) educational needs, and 7) structural issues related to AMPATH clinics.

Conclusions: This study provides implications for further examination and possible intervention strategies within the eight different areas to continuing this research.