Structural factors influencing male spousal involvement in HIV-related services in western Kenya

Background: Men's involvement in HIV-related services is fundamental in promoting family health in western Kenya. This study investigated the structural factors related to men's involvement in these services offered by the Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV (AMPATH) program.

Methods: Data were collected from 146 men and women during 16 focus group discussions at four different AMPATH clinics. Demographic information was collected from each participant using a written questionnaire. Focus group discussions were conducted to determine the factors associated with men's participation in HIV-related services. The focus group discussion questions were based on three primary areas: social/cultural factors, structural factors, and methods and strategies to increase male involvement. Standard procedures to identify themes within qualitative data revealed several factors related to AMPATH structural issues perceived by the participants to influence men's involvement.

Results: The structural issues that emerged from the focus group discussions that participants believed to impact men's involvement in HIV-related services include both inhibiting and enabling factors. These were separated into three subcategories: tangible resources clients receive from the program; clinic atmosphere; and location of clinic. Specific factors suggested to influence involvement were: lack of extended clinic hours on weekdays and weekends; no male nurses; no privacy; transport to clinic; increased amount of time spent at clinic, amongst others.

Conclusions: Findings from this study have implications for the development of strategies that can be employed to increase men's involvement in HIV-related services in western Kenya.