186883 Assessing Male Involvement in HIV-Related Services in Western Kenya

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 1:10 PM

Michael Reece, PhD, MPH , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Ariane Hollub, MEd , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Andreia Alexander , Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Erick Amick , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Mallory Metzger , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
     
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.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the factors that influence male involvement in HIV-related services in Western Kenya. 2. Discuss the implications of these findings for future research and intervention. 3. Describe the importance of male involvement in HIV-related services in Western Kenya.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Associate Professor, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University; Director, Center for Sexual Health Promotion
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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