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Malabika Sarker, Department of Tropical Hygiene and Public Health, Heidelberg University, INF 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, 49-6221-565335, malabikasarker@yahoo.com, Sanou Aboubakary, CRSN, Koussi, Nouna, Burkina Faso, Rachel Snow, Health Behavior & Health Education, Michigan University, M5055 SPH II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, and Adam Gondos, DZFA, Department of Epidemiology, Bergheimer Strasse 20, Heidelberg, Germany.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, improving client uptake of services in PMTCT programs remains a major challenge. This study provides an analysis of factors associated with the uptake of HIV counseling, and that of HIV testing, and returning for test results from a rural hospital in Nouna, Burkina Faso.

Method: A cross sectional survey was conducted from July to December 2004 among 430 ANC attendees. Separate multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with accepting HIV counseling and HIV testing. Additionally, reported reasons for returning for, and disclosing test results were also analyzed.

Results: Participation in HIV counseling, testing, and returning for the results were 77, 73, and 75 percent respectively. Determinants of participation in HIV counseling included discussing HIV screening with the partner (OR 2.47), being in a polygamous marriage (OR 2.05), having a salesman partner (OR 2.95), and perceiving a positive community attitude towards HIV+ women (OR 1.82). Uptake of HIV testing was associated with discussing HIV screening with the partner (OR 8.80), and the number of ANC visits already accomplished (OR 2.07). The refusal of counseling was mainly related to unsatisfactory orientation, while testing was mainly refused because of perceived disapproval from the partner.

Conclusion: Communication with the partner was crucial in the decision making process about the uptake of HIV testing. In addition, the voluntary decision about VCT participation may increase the proportion of participants who return for test results and may therefore be enrolled for PMTCT intervention.

Learning Objectives:

• To be able to critically analyze the implementaion startegy of VCT/PMTCT program.
• To identify a better strategy for adherehence to ART program.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Women and HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered