Factors affecting acceptance of HIV testing among antenatal care attendees in Ethiopia: With emphasis on the role of male partners

Background: HIV testing is an entry point for PMTCT intervention. To increase uptake of PMTCT interventions and benefit from HIV testing, men involvement is important. This study assessed factors affecting acceptance of HIV testing among antenatal care attendees with emphasis on role of male partners in Wolaita, Ethiopia.

Methodology: cross-sectional study was conducted on 412 pregnant women using structured questionnaire from March-April 2010 in three public health centers of Wolaita, triangulated by focus group discussions on husbands of pregnant women. Data was entered using EPI-Info and analyzed by SPSS-13.

Result: HIV testing acceptance among pregnant women was 74.5%. Community stigma/discrimination, husband reaction and fear of positive test result were reasons that impede acceptance of HIV testing. HIV testing acceptance was significantly associated with who had attended formal education, urban residents and living with partners. Only 27% of pregnant women could decide independently to accept HIV testing. Male partners, who came to health centers with their partners for ANC and HIV testing were only 5.1%. Two thirds of study participants(65.5%) have no habit of open discussion on HIV/STI with their partners. Most women with positive test result don't disclose test result to partners. Pregnant women who could get partner support were more likely to accept HIV testing

Conclusions: HIV testing acceptance is encouraging but men's involvement was found low and they appear to be secret ingredient of PMTCT intervention. Pregnant women need male partners' positive attitude/support for HIV testing and subsequent PMTCT services. Hence PMTCT programs should emphasize involvement of partners.