Determinants of HIV counselling and testing participation in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme in rural Burkina Faso

Understanding the relationship between the public sector healthcare workers and NGO-based HIV counsellors while providing HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women: A Qualitative Study in Suva, Fiji

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing plays a significant role in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV counselling and testing during pregnancy is an essential gateway for HIV prevention, timely treatment, and care services. Lack of proper counselling could jeopardise the quality of services. This paper aims to understand the relationship between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non-Governmental Organisation based counsellors while providing HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in one of the main hospitals in Suva, Fiji. Data were collected via individual, in-depth, interviews held in a single hospital and an associated reproductive health centre in Suva in April-May 2013. A total of 15 healthcare providers including doctors (n = 4), midwives (n = 5), nurses (n = 4), and counsellors (n = 2) were interviewed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approvals were obtained. We found that there was tension between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non-Governmental Organisation based counsellors involved in the provision of HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women. The predominant causes of tension were poor referral for HIV test counselling, long counselling time, lack of cooperation and conflict due to the differences in counselling approaches. Tension between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non- Governmental Organisation based HIV counsellors appear to be the main challenge to effective provision of HIV test counselling services in the hospital. Ongoing tension between both groups could restrict healthcare workers abilities to provide quality HIV counselling services. Our findings would be useful in developing strategies to overcome tension amongst healthcare workers as it would be an imperative step in providing streamlined HIV counselling services to women attending antenatal clinic in Fiji.

Dyadic Validation of Relational Processes in Seroconcordant Mozambican Couples: Social Support, Physician Trust, and Stigma

Psychometric instruments can quantify how people living with HIV experience three key barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention: partner support, trust in medical professionals, and internalized HIV-related stigma. However, two challenges arise when using these instruments to measure and interpret relational processes among Mozambican couples, especially those participating in a couples intervention. First, relational measures have almost exclusively been developed and normed with Western, middle-class, and/or White adults. Second, traditional measurement approaches neglect the relational processes between partners. Using dyadic modeling, this paper demonstrates metric and scalar invariance for instruments measuring partner support (CFI = 0.964, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.034, SRMR = 0.052), trust in medical professionals (CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.980, RMSEA = 0.033, SRMR = 0.039), and internalized HIV-related stigma (CFI = 0.960, TLI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.050, SRMR = 0.060) within the novel context of seroconcordant HIV+ couples in Zambézia province.

Importance of male partner's involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta analysis until June 2021

Background

To promote the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS male partners play a significant role, especially in developing country were men’s are a decision maker in domestic activity. When men are involved in PMTCT it would boost the service utilization and uptake of ART drugs. Thus this systematic review and Meta analysis aims to assess importance of male partner involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were accessed through an electronic web-based search mechanism from PubMed, Advanced Google Scholar, WHO databases and journals (African Health Monitor, Pan African Journal of Public Health), using independent and combinations of key terms together with a reference list of included studies. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the quality of studies based on pre-specified criteria. When a disagreement between the two reviewers happened; the third reviewer was invited and resolve it based on the stated objectives and inclusion criteria. Measures of effects were pooled and random effect meta analysis was conducted.

Results

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of male involvement in PMTCT was 31.8% (95% CI; 22.3–41.3 I² = 98.4%, p = 0.00). being urban residence(AOR = 2.43 95%CI;1.42–4.18), partner knowledge (AOR = 2.84 95%CI;1.90–4.22), knowledge on Antenatal care(AOR = 3.5 95%CI;1.80–6.76), partners who had no negative perception towards for PMTCT (AOR = 3.21 95%CI;2.18–4.72), government employee(AOR = 2.57 95%CI;1.76–3.75), partners informed of need to go for PMTCT(AOR = 3.83 95%CI;1.88–7.79), health institution related barriers(AOR = 2.6 95%CI;1.882–3.622), primary (AOR = 2.21 95%CI;1.29–3.80), and secondary education(AOR = 2.67 95%CI;1.69–4.19) were significant factors related with male partner involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The proportion of male involvement in the Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia was low. Interventions aimed at improving male participation in the Prevention of mother-to-child transmission should consider the factors related to it. Healthcare services may need to be inclusive and could help men active engagement in PMTCT programs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-022-00971-7.

Magnitude and determinants of male partner involvement in PMTCT service utilization of pregnant women attending public health facilities of Ethiopia, 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infant antiretroviral prophylaxis has an important role in reduction of Human immune virus transmission from mother to child during the postpartum period. Male partner involvement was considered as a priority aforementioned area needs to be enhanced in Prevention of Mother-To Child Transmission (PMTCT). PMTCT service utilization can minimize the risk of the transmission of HIV from mother to child and related mortalities. Adequate utilization and adherence to this service has been challenging for some of the women if their partners are not aware or do partners do not support the women. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and determinants of male involvement in PMTCT service in Ethiopia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We had conducted an extensive search of literature as indicated in the guideline of reporting systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). We had used PubMed, Google Scholar, and cross reference for searching articles. We had used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for critical appraisal of studies. Met-analysis and meta-regression were computed to present the pooled prevalence and determinants of male partner involvement with a 95% confidence interval using Revman.

RESULTS

Among a total of 338 studies, 11 studies were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled magnitude of male partner involvement was 40% (95% CI: 29.11-50.69). Knowledge of husband on PMTCT (2.30, 95% CI 1.75, 3.02), perceived responsibility for the women (4.22, 95% CI 2.31, 7.71), being government employee (2.89, 95% CI 2.02, 4.12), cultural barriers (3.44, 95% CI 2.54, 4.65) and educational status of husband (2.4, 95% CI 1.79, 3.50) were the determinants of pooled estimates of male partner involvement in PMTCT activities.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of male partner involvement was lower than the study conducted in sub Saharan Africa. Knowledge of husband on PMTCT, perceived responsibility for women, occupational status, cultural barriers and educational status of husband were determinants of male partner involvement. Therefore, the existing strategies to improve male involvement should be strengthened.

HIV testing and linkage to care-A case of a mobile diagnostic and counseling service in Mbeya, Tanzania; A quantitative study

HIV-care programmes are faced with significant challenges in getting newly diagnosed People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) linked to care despite massive investment in HIV prevention, treatment and care. This study assessed the performance of mobile HIV Testing and Counseling service (mHTC) in provision of HIV-testing and linkage to care of newly diagnosed PLHIV from Key and Vulnerable Populations (KVPs). A retrospective review of the records of 25,248 clients was extracted from the mHTC database from October-2016 to September-2018. Of 25,248 clients, 51.71% were in 25-45 years age group, 55.4% were males, 60.5% were married and 62.1% had primary level of education. The median age of clients was 31 (IQR: 23-42) years. Out of the clients tested, 800 (3.17%) were diagnosed HIV-positive. Positivity was high among females 450 (4%), age group 25-45 years 538 (4.12%), divorced 202 (7.41%) and clients with primary level of education 504 (3.21%). An association between HIV status and sex, age group, relationship status and level of education was observed (P<0001). Out of the 800 HIV-positive clients, 418 (52.30%) were successfully linked to care. Among the positive clients, 5/6 (83.33%) children below 15 years old, 238/450 (52.89%) females and 39/64 (60.94%) widows were successfully linked to care. In the multivariable log binomial regression model age of the clients was associated with successful linkage to care. The mHTC was able to reach KVP clients; overall linkage for both sexes was 52.30% below the recommended UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. Raising the need to address the challenges associated with linkage and specific care for KVPs as a subset of the general population. The mHTC has shown that it is feasible to improve the reach of KVP clients; however, further research is required to examine the quality of this service at the community level.

Motivations and expectations driving community participation in entomological research projects: Target Malaria as a case study in Bana, Western Burkina Faso

Background

Most field entomology research projects require active participation by local community members. Since 2012, Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, has been working with residents in the village of Bana, in Western Burkina Faso, in various studies involving mosquito collections, releases and recaptures. The long-term goal of this work is to develop innovative solutions to combat malaria in Africa with the help of mosquito modification technologies. Since the start of the project, Bana residents have played an important role in research activities, yet the motivations and expectations that drive their participation remain under-investigated. This study examines the factors that motivate some members of the local community to contribute to the implementation of Target Malaria’s activities, and, more broadly, explores the reasons that animate citizen participation in entomological research work in malaria-endemic regions.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used to survey the factors motivating members of the local community to assist in the implementation of Target Malaria’s entomological research activities in Bana. Eighty-five individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by three focus groups, one with youths who had participated in mosquito collections, and two with adult men and women from the village. All data collected were fully transcribed, processed, and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results

Data showed that the willingness of local community members to participate in entomological research activities was informed by a wide range of motivational factors. Although interviewees expressed their motivations under different semantic registers, the data showed a degree of consistency around five categories of motivation: (a) enhance domestic protection from mosquitoes and malaria, (b) contribute to a future world free of the disease, (c) acquire knowledge and skills, (d) earn financial compensation, and (e) gain social prestige for the village.

Conclusion

These varying motivations reflect a set of differing personal and collective perceptions about the participation process, combining short and long-term, individual and collective motivations. Beyond the specific circumstances of this case, the study highlights the complex reasons that drive collective participation in entomological research and vector control activities. Detailed knowledge of community expectations should underpin any effort to mobilize local participation in field research activities.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV: a review of the achievements and challenges in Burkina-Faso

BACKGROUND

Burkina-Faso's HIV/AIDS program is one of the most successful in Africa, with a declining HIV prevalence and treatment outcomes that rival those of developed countries. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Burkina-Faso, initiated in the year 2000, were revised in 2004, 2006 and 2010. The guideline document has since undergone several stages of improvement, largely based on recommendations from WHO, with adaptations by local experts in the field. Option B+ adopted since August 2014 in Burkina-Faso has enabled maintenance of mothers on longer treatment and increasing their survival and that of their children. Through this review, we describe the achievements and challenges of HIV PMTCT programs in Burkina-Faso.

AIMS OF STUDY

This study had the following objectives: 1) describing the historical perspective of PMTCT implementation in Burkina-Faso; 2) presenting the effectiveness of interventions at improving PMTCT service delivery and promoting retention of mothers and babies in care; and 3) determining the impact of male partner involvement on PMTCT in Burkina-Faso.

METHODOLOGY

A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google. Search terms included the following keywords: "HIV testing"; "prevention"; "mother"; "child"; "male partner"; "counseling"; "involvement"; "participation"; and the grouped terms "PMTCT and partners"; "VCT"; "barriers and/or factors"; "Male involvement in PMTCT"; and "Burkina-Faso". Data collection took place from May to October 2015. The search was limited to articles published between January 2002 and December 2015. UNICEF and UNAIDS web sites were also used to find relevant abstracts and documents.

RESULTS

Studies have revealed that with PMTCT, HIV transmission rate moved from 10.4% in 2006 to 0% in 2015. The PMTCT program remains the best way to care for HIV-infected pregnant women and their babies. The current PMTCT policy is based on evidence that male partner involvement is associated with women's completion of PMTCT.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the reduction in mother to child transmission of HIV in Burkina-Faso over the years is mainly due to the improvement of PMTCT programs. Efforts still need to be made about the involvement of male partners.

Uptake and determinants for HIV postpartum re-testing among mothers with prenatal negative status in Njombe region, Tanzania

Background

Uptake of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) re-testing among postnatal mothers who had previously tested HIV-negative is crucial for the detection of recent seroconverters who are likely to have high plasma viral loads and an increased risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Tanzania set a target of 90% re-testing of pregnant mothers who had tested negative during the first test. However, there is no statistics on the implementation, coverage and the factors determining re-testing among pregnant women in Tanzania. This study determined the proportion of newly-delivered, previously HIV-negative mothers who returned for HIV re-testing, and assessed the determinants of re-testing in Njombe Region in Tanzania.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in four health facilities in Njombe and Wanging’ombe districts during December 2015–June 2016. All newly-delivered mothers (≤7 days from delivery) presenting at health facilities and who had previously tested HIV-negative during pregnancy were included. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the determinants for re-testing. Records on the previous HIV testing was verified using antenatal clinic card. A multiple logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify the association.

Results

Of 668 mothers (median age = 25 years) enrolled, 203 (30.4%) were re-tested for their HIV status. Among these, 27 (13.3%) tested positive. Significant predictors for HIV re-testing were socio-demographic factors including having at least a secondary education [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.25–3.02] and being employed [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.06–4.34]; personal and behavioural factors, reporting symptoms of sexually transmitted infections [AOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 2.15–6.14] and use of condoms during intercourse [AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.13–2.71]. Significant health system factors were having ≥4 ANC visits [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.21–2.69] and perceiving good quality of HIV counselling and testing service at the first ANC visit [AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.53–3.04].

Conclusion

Uptake of the HIV re-testing was lower than the national target. Education level, employment status, having ≥4 ANC visits, reporting sexually-transmitted infections, condom use, and good perception of HIV tests were significant factors increased uptake for re-testing. Identified factors should be incorporated in the Prevention of the Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme strategies to prevent HIV infection in new-borns.

Challenges of PMTCT Service Utilization in Amhara Region: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Background

Globally, 370,000 children became newly infected with HIV and an estimated 42,000–60,000 pregnant woman died because of HIV annually. Pediatric HIV infection in 90% of the cases was acquired from their mothers.

Methods

Comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented. Epi-info software was used to calculate the sample size, and the estimated sample size was 2667 pregnant women. Data were collected using exit interview technique. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to identify the prevalence of PMTCT service utilization and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of PMTCT service utilization.

Results

A total of 2615 respondents were included for a response rate of 98.05%. Only 61.3% of the pregnant women attending ANC in the health facility were utilizing PMTCT services [95% CI: 59 %–63 %]. Around 3.22% of tested pregnant women did not receive their result. PMTCT service utilization was affected by knowledge of PMTCT [AOR 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.53–2.28], residence [AOR 0.67, 95 % CI: 0.51–0.89], internal referral system [AOR 3.06, 95% CI: 2.51–3.72], health professional client interaction [AOR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.75–2.76], fear [AOR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03–1.47], long waiting time [AOR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58–0.94], number of ANC visit [AOR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.4–2.29], gravidity [AOR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.46–0.66], educational status [AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04–1.96] and involvement in PMTCT services [AOR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.51–4.4].

Conclusion

PMTCT service utilization was low in the study area. The presence of internal referral system significantly increases PMTCT service utilization.

Acceptance of HIV Counseling and Testing among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Southern Ethiopia

Background

Counseling and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HCT) during antenatal care (ANC) is a critical entry point for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, in Ethiopia limited evidence exists regarding the extent of acceptance of the service. The study aimed to assess the level and factors associated with acceptance of HCT in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted in four public health facilities found in the city. Five hundred and four ANC clients were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The vast majority, 84.1% (95% CI: 80.6-87.2%), of the respondents accepted the HCT. Acceptance was positively associated with being married [AOR=5.60 (95% CI: 1.87-16.50)], having two or more ANC visits [4.93 (95% CI: 2.40-10.07)], history of prior HIV testing [4.23 (95% CI: 1.90-9.74)], having good knowledge about MTCT [4.91 (95% CI: 2.07-11.6)] and PMTCT [6.22 (95% CI: 2.87-13.50)] and having no fear of stigma and discrimination [3.32 (95% CI: 1.57-7.02)].

Conclusion

Acceptance of HCT can be further improved by enhancing the knowledge of mother about PMTCT and combating stigma and discrimination.

Factors associated with the utilization of antenatal care and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission services in Ethiopia: applying a count regression model

BACKGROUND

Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) coverage has been low in Ethiopia and the service has been implemented in a fragmented manner. Solutions to this problem have mainly been sought on the supply-side in the form of improved management and allocation of limited resources. However, this approach largely ignores the demand-side factors associated with low PMTCT coverage in the country. The study assesses the factors associated with the utilization of PMTCT services taking into consideration counts of visits to antenatal care (ANC) services in urban high-HIV prevalence and rural low-HIV prevalence settings in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A multivariate regression model was employed to identify significant factors associated with PMTCT service utilization. Poisson and negative binomial regression models were applied, considering the number of ANC visits as a dependent variable. The explanatory variables were age; educational status; type of occupation; decision-making power in the household; living in proximity to educated people; a neighborhood with good welfare services; location (urban high-HIV prevalence and rural low-HIV prevalence); transportation accessibility; walking distance (in minutes); and household income status. The alpha dispersion test (a) was performed to measure the goodness-of-fit of the model. Significant results were reported at p-values of < 0.05 and < 0.001.

RESULTS

Household income, socio-economic setting (urban high-HIV prevalence and rural low-HIV prevalence) and walking distance (in minutes) had a statistically significant relationship with the number of ANC visits by pregnant women (p < 0.05). A pregnant woman from an urban high-HIV prevalence setting would be expected to make 34% more ANC visits (counts) than her rural low-HIV prevalence counterparts (p < 0.05). Holding other variables constant, a unit increase in household income would increase the expected ANC visits by 0.004%. An increase in walking distance by a unit (a minute) would decrease the number of ANC visits by 0.001(p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Long walking distance, low household income and living in a rural setting are the significant factors associated with low PMTCT service utilization. The primary strategies for a holistic policy to improve ANC/PMTCT utilization should thus include improving the geographical accessibility of ANC/PMTCT services, expanding household welfare and paying more attention to remote rural areas.

Partners-based HIV treatment for seroconcordant couples attending antenatal and postnatal care in rural Mozambique: A cluster randomized trial protocol

BACKGROUND

In resource-limited rural settings, scale-up of services to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV has not been as effective as in better resourced urban settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, women often require male partner approval to access and remain engaged in HIV care. Our study will evaluate a promising male engagement intervention ("Homens para Saúde Mais" (HoPS+) [Men for Health Plus]) targeting the elimination of mother-to-child transmission in rural Mozambique.

DESIGN

We will use a cluster randomized clinical trial design to engage 24 health facilities (12 intervention and 12 standard of care), with 45 HIV-infected seroconcordant couples per clinic. The planned intervention will engage male partners to address social-structural and cultural factors influencing eMTCT based on new couple-centered integrated HIV services.

CONCLUSIONS

The HoPS+ study will evaluate the effectiveness of engaging male partners in antenatal care to improve outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women, their HIV-infected male partners, and their newborn children. Our objectives are to: (1) Implement and evaluate the impact of male-engaged, couple-centered services on partners' retention in care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, early infant diagnosis uptake, and mother-to-child transmission throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding; (2) Investigate the impact of HoPS+ intervention on hypothesized mechanisms of change; and (3) Use validated simulation models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HoPS+ intervention with the use of routine clinical data from our trial. We expect the intervention to lead to strategies that can improve outcomes related to partners' retention in care, uptake of services for HIV-exposed infants, and reduced MTCT.

Male partner involvement in increasing the uptake of infant antiretroviral prophylaxis/treatment in sub Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Infant antiretroviral prophylaxis plays an important role towards ensuring the reduction of HIV transmission from mother to child in the postpartum period. However in sub Saharan Africa (SSA), the low level of involvement of male partners may hinder the uptake of such services by HIV positive mothers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of male partner involvement approaches on the uptake of infant antiretroviral prophylaxis in SSA.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and Current Controlled Trials were searched from 1st December 2015 up until 30th March 2016. Only studies carried out in SSA that reported an approach used in involving male partners and the impact on the uptake of infant antiretroviral prophylaxis irrespective of the Language and date of publication were included. Odds ratios were extracted or calculated from studies and combined in a meta-analysis using the statistical package Stata version 11.0. Forest plots were generated using the random effect model.

Results

From an initial 2316 non-duplicate articles, 09 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio was 2.09(95% CI: 1.31 to 3.36) while the unadjusted odds ratios for enhanced psychosocial interventions (02 studies pooled), complex community interventions (02 studies pooled), verbal encouragement (02 studies pooled) and invitation letters(03 pooled studies) were 3.48(95% CI: 1.42 to 8.53), 1.85(95%CI: 0.85 to 4.03), 2.37(95%CI: 1.22 to 4.61) and 1.81(95%CI: 0.64 to 5.14) respectively. I squared was 89.5%, p < 0.001 and the heterogeneity was not explained by any of the variables in meta-regression.

Conclusion

There was stronger evidence for enhanced psychosocial intervention and verbal encouragement in increasing the uptake of infant prophylaxis. The high heterogeneity suggests more studies are needed to draw a definite inference from the meta-analysis. More studies with larger sample sizes that are conducted using similar methods are needed in the future.

Trial registration

Prospero registration number: 42016032673.

Factors Associated with Receiving Late HIV Testing Among Women Delivering at Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2014

HIV testing during pregnancy facilitates timely antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive women. This study identifies reasons for late HIV testing among pregnant women delivering at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. We conducted a case-control study in which 160 cases were women who were tested for HIV late (i.e., at labor and delivery) and 160 controls were women who were tested during antenatal care (ANC). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, six variables were associated with late HIV testing: age less than 30 years, nine or fewer years of education, working as a homemaker or worker/farmer, living 20 km or more from the hospital, having received ANC at a private clinic/hospital only, and not believing that HIV testing is important during pregnancy. We recommend that national programs should provide additional effort for HIV testing during pregnancy to young women, less educated women, homemakers, and those receiving ANC at private clinics and hospitals.

The Differential Effects of an Opt-Out HIV Testing Policy for Pregnant Women in Ethiopia When Accounting for Stigma: Secondary Analysis of DHS Data

Individual factors associated with HIV testing have been studied across multiple populations; however, testing is not just an individual-level phenomenon. This secondary analysis of 2005 and 2011 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data was conducted to determine the extent to which the 2007 institution of an opt-out policy of HIV testing during antenatal care increased testing among women, and whether effects differed by women's stigmatizing beliefs about HIV. A logit model with interaction between pre-/post-policy year and policy exposure (birth in the past year) was used to estimate the increased probability of past-year testing, which may be attributable to the policy. Results suggested the policy contributed to a nine-point increase in the probability of testing (95% CI 0.06-0.13, p < 0.0001). A three-way interaction was used to compare the effects of exposure to the policy among women holding higher and lower HIV stigmatizing beliefs. The increase in the probability of past-year testing was 16 percentage points greater among women with lower stigmatizing beliefs (95% CI 0.06-0.27, p = 0.002). Women with higher stigmatizing beliefs were less likely to report attending antenatal care (ANC), testing at their last ANC visit, or being offered a test at their last ANC visit. We encourage researchers and practitioners to explore interventions that operate at multiple levels of socio-ecological spheres of influence, addressing both stigma and structural barriers to testing, in order to achieve the greatest results in preventing HIV.

Barriers to uptake of early infant HIV testing in Zambia: the role of intimate partner violence and HIV status disclosure within couples

BACKGROUND

Early detection of pediatric HIV through uptake of infant HIV testing is critical for access to treatment and child survival. While structural barriers have been well described, a greater understanding of social and behavioral factors that may relate to maternal uptake of early infant HIV testing services is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to explore how gender power dynamics within couples affect HIV-positive women's uptake of early infant HIV testing at a large health center in Lusaka, Zambia.

METHODS

In 2014, 320 HIV-positive married postpartum women were recruited at a large public health facility in Lusaka to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Data on uptake of early infant HIV testing by 4-6 weeks of age was collected through medical records. Simple and multiple logistic regression models determined significant predictors of maternal uptake of early infant HIV testing.

RESULTS

In the adjusted model, uptake of early infant HIV testing was associated with female-directed emotional intimate partner violence (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21-0.79; p < 0.01), HIV status disclosure to the male partner (aOR 13.73, 95% CI 3.59-52.49, p < 0.001), and maternal postpartum ART adherence (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.15-4.55, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Domestic relationship dynamics, including emotional violence and HIV status disclosure to the male partner, may play an important role in maternal uptake of early infant HIV testing. These findings provide additional evidence for the link between intimate partner violence against women and poor HIV-related health outcomes. Programs that adequately screen for and address various forms of intimate partner violence within the context of prevention of mother-to-child transmission are recommended.

A descriptive study on demographic and behavioral characteristics of males and their responses to a male involvement intervention in Blantyre, Malawi

Introduction

Male involvement (MI) remains a key factor in the enrollment and retention of pregnant women in the Prevention of Mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of men who accompanied their partners for PMTCT services and secondly, describe the reported reasons for the non-reporting by men for the services in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

All men included in this analysis were partners of pregnant women enrolled in a MI in PMTCT randomized controlled trial (RCT), which took place in Blantyre, Malawi from 14 June 2013 to 24 February 2014. After randomization women were asked to invite their male partners for PMTCT services either through an invitation card or word of mouth invite. Descriptive statistics were tabulated using Stata.

Results

Of the 462 women randomized, 109 (23.59%) women came back to the clinic with their male partner following the intervention. The majority, 307 (66.5%) women returned to the clinic without their partners. Although most men accepted the intervention, some failed to accompany their partners because of work obligations, a lack of interest in accompanying their partners for the service, and others promised to report at the next clinic visit.

Conclusion

The characteristics of men that reported were similar in the two groups, suggesting that demographic characteristics may not greatly influence their decision to be involved in PMTCT services. There is need to develop more flexible strategies to include men in PMTCT programmes.

Engagement of Men in Antenatal Care Services: Increased HIV Testing and Treatment Uptake in a Community Participatory Action Program in Mozambique

Uptake of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services during antenatal care (ANC) in rural Mozambique is disappointing. To nurture supportive male engagement in ANC services, we partnered with traditional birth attendants and trained a new type of male-to-male community health agent, "Male Champions", who focused on counseling male partners to create new, male-friendly community norms around engagement in spousal/partner pregnancies. We assessed ANC service uptake using a pre-post intervention design. The intervention was associated with increases in: (1) uptake of provider-initiated counseling and testing among pregnant woman (81 vs. 92 %; p < 0.001); (2) male engagement in ANC (5 vs. 34 %; p < 0.001); and (3) uptake of ART (8 vs. 19 %; p < 0.001). When men accepted HIV testing, rates of testing rose markedly among pregnant women. With the challenges in scale-up of Option B+ in sub-Saharan Africa, similar interventions may increase testing and treatment acceptability during pregnancy.

Impact of approaches in improving male partner involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV on the uptake of PMTCT services in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have reported approaches used in improving the delivery of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services through the involvement of male partners, but evidence from a systematic review is limited. We aim at determining the impact of male partner involvement on PMTCT in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a systematic review of published literature. Interventional and observational studies on male involvement in PMTCT carried out in sub-Saharan Africa will be included irrespective of the year and language of publication. OVID Medline, Embase, PschINFO, and Cochrane database of controlled trials will be searched. After manual searching of articles, authors shall be contacted for further information. 2 authors (NFT and CJ) will independently screen potential articles for eligibility using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools, Jadad scale and the STROBE checklist will be used for critical appraisal, and the 2 authors will independently assess the quality of articles. Authors will independently extract data from studies using a pre-established data collection form, and any discrepancies will be sorted by a third author (TRK). Outcomes will be analysed using STATA V.12.0. The random effect model will be used to produce forest plots. The heterogeneity χ(2) statistics and I(2) will be used to assess for heterogeneity. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots. This protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical approval since included studies will be published studies that had already obtained ethical approvals. The findings will guide HIV programmes on the best approaches towards involving male partners in PMTCT with a view to improving PMTCT services in sub-Saharan Africa.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

42016032673.

Intimate partner violence and HIV-positive women's non-adherence to antiretroviral medication for the purpose of prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Lusaka, Zambia

BACKGROUND

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) depends critically on HIV-positive women's adherence to antiretroviral drugs during and after pregnancy. Adherence among pregnant and breastfeeding women remains a challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. Power dynamics within couples, such as intimate partner violence, has largely been neglected in research regarding PMTCT adherence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine if there is a relationship between intimate partner violence and non-adherence to PMTCT.

METHODS

In 2014, using a verbally administered cross-sectional survey at a large public health clinic in Lusaka, Zambia, 320 HIV-positive postpartum women, who were currently married or living with a man, provided information on their drug adherence during and after pregnancy, as well as relationship dynamics. Adherence was defined as the woman reporting she took or gave to the infant at least 80% of prescribed medication doses.

RESULTS

Experiencing intimate partner violence was associated with decreased odds of adherence to PMTCT during and after pregnancy. Different forms of violence affected PMTCT adherence differentially. Physical violence had a less pronounced effect on non-adherence than emotional and sexual violence. A dose-response relationship between intimate partner violence and non-adherence was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Intimate partner violence is associated with non-adherence to PMTCT during and after pregnancy, which deserves increased attention in the effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Tracing defaulters in HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes through community health workers: results from a rural setting in Zimbabwe

Introduction

High retention in care is paramount to reduce vertical human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes but remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to assess the effects of community health worker–based defaulter tracing (CHW-DT) on retention in care and mother-to-child HIV transmission, an innovative approach that has not been evaluated to date.

Methods

We analyzed patient records of 1878 HIV-positive pregnant women and their newborns in a rural PMTCT programme in the Tsholotsho district of Zimbabwe between 2010 and 2013 in a retrospective cohort study. Using binomial regression, we compared vertical HIV transmission rates at six weeks post-partum, and retention rates during the perinatal PMTCT period (at delivery, nevirapine [NVP] initiation at three days post-partum, cotrimoxazole (CTX) initiation at six weeks post-partum, and HIV testing at six weeks post-partum) before and after the introduction of CHW-DT in the project.

Results

Median maternal age was 27 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] 23 to 32) and median CD4 count was 394 cells/µL³ (IQR 257 to 563). The covariate-adjusted rate ratio (aRR) for perinatal HIV transmission was 0.72 (95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 0.27 to 1.96, p=0.504), comparing patient outcomes after and before the intervention. Among fully retained patients, 11 (1.9%) newborns tested HIV positive. ARRs for retention in care were 1.01 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.06, p=0.730) at delivery; 1.35 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.42, p<0.001) at NVP initiation; 1.78 (95% CI 1.58 to 2.01, p<0.001) at CTX initiation; and 2.54 (95% CI 2.20 to 2.93, p<0.001) at infant HIV testing. Cumulative retention after and before the intervention was 496 (85.7%) and 1083 (87.3%) until delivery; 480 (82.9%) and 1005 (81.0%) until NVP initiation; 303 (52.3%) and 517 (41.7%) until CTX initiation; 272 (47.0%) and 427 (34.4%) until infant HIV testing; and 172 (29.7%) and 405 (32.6%) until HIV test result collection.

Conclusions

The CHW-DT intervention did not reduce perinatal HIV transmission significantly. Retention improved moderately during the post-natal period, but cumulative retention decreased rapidly even after the intervention. We showed that transmission in resource-limited settings can be as low as in resource-rich countries if patients are fully retained in care. This requires structural changes to the regular PMTCT services, in which community health workers can, at best, play a complementary role.

Women's willingness to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy: A review

Mother-to-child-transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a primary cause of pediatric infections with HIV. Many of these infections involve women who were not tested early enough in pregnancy, or who did not receive prevention services. HIV testing of pregnant women is considered to be one of the key strategies for preventing mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, but HIV testing rates among pregnant women in various countries remain suboptimal. Understanding the factors relating to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy is critical for developing strategies to increase HIV testing rates among pregnant women. Extensive research points to various factors relating to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy, and various recommendations aimed at improving testing rates among pregnant women have been suggested based on the research. In light of the goals set by the United Nations to reduce the rate of infants infected with HIV, it is necessary to summarize what is currently known regarding factors related to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy. The purpose of this review is therefore to examine factors related to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy, and to summarize recommendations for practice and further research.

Factors Affecting the Uptake of HIV Testing among Men: A Mixed-Methods Study in Rural Burkina Faso

Background

This study aimed to explore factors shaping the decision to undergo Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing among men in rural Burkina Faso.

Methods

The study took place in 2009 in the Nouna Health District and adopted a triangulation mixed methods design. The quantitative component relied on data collected through a structured survey on a representative sample of 1130 households. The qualitative component relied on 38 in-depth interviews, with men purposely selected to represent variation in testing decision, age, and place of residence. A two-part model was conducted, with two distinct outcome variables, i.e. “being offered an HIV test” and “having done an HIV test”. The qualitative data analysis relied on inductive coding conducted by three independent analysts.

Result

Of the 937 men, 357 had been offered an HIV test and 97 had taken the test. Younger age, household wealth, living in a village under demographic surveillance, and knowing that HIV testing is available at primary health facilities were all positively associated with the probability of being offered an HIV test. Household wealth and literacy were found to be positively associated, and distance was found to be negatively associated with the probability of having taken an HIV test. Qualitative findings indicated that the limited uptake of HIV testing was linked to poor knowledge on service availability and to low risk perceptions.

Conclusion

With only 10% of the total sample ever having tested for HIV, our study confirmed that male HIV testing remains unacceptably low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This results from a combination of health system factors, indicating general barriers to access, and motivational factors, such as one’s own knowledge of service availability and risk perceptions. Our findings suggested that using antenatal care and curative services as the exclusive entry points into HIV testing may not be sufficient to reach large portions of the male population. Thus, additional strategies are urgently needed to increase service uptake.

Male Partners' Involvement in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Associated Factors in Arba Minch Town and Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Background. Male involvement is an important determinant of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However, male involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia is not well known. Objectives. To assess male partners involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors in Arba Minch town and Arba Minch Zuria woreda. Methods. Community based study was conducted in Arba Minch town and Arba Minch Zuria district. Multistage sampling technique was used and data were collected using interviewer administered standard questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the presence of statistically significant associations between the outcome variable and the independent variables. Results. The level of male involvement in PMTCT program in Arba Minch town and Zuria district was 53%. Several factors appear to contribute to male involvement in the PMTCT program including age, residence, education level, knowledge on HIV, knowledge on PMTCT, accessibility of health facility, having weak perception for male involvement in PMTCT, having perception of ANC attendance being females' responsibility, ever use of khat, and ever use of cigarette. Conclusion. Geographical accessibility of health facility and male's knowledge on PMTCT should be improved to increase their involvement in PMTCT.

Pregnant women's experiences of male partner involvement in the context of prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Khayelitsha, South Africa

Male partner involvement (MPI) has been identified as a priority intervention in programmes for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, but rates of MPI remain low worldwide. This study used a quantitative survey (n=170) and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 16 HIV-positive pregnant women attending a public sector antenatal care service in Khayelitsha, South Africa, to examine the determinants of high levels of involvement and generate a broader understanding of women's experiences of MPI during pregnancy. Among survey participants, 74% had disclosed their status to their partner, and most reported high levels of communication around HIV testing and preventing partner transmission, as well as high levels of MPI. High MPI was significantly more likely among women who were cohabiting with their partner; who had reportedly disclosed their HIV status to their partner; and who reported higher levels of HIV-related communication with their partner. FGD participants discussed a range of ways in which partners can be supportive during pregnancy, not limited to male attendance of antenatal care. MPI appears to be a feasible intervention in this context, and MPI interventions should aim to encourage male partner attendance of antenatal care as well as greater involvement in pregnancy more generally. Interventions that target communication are needed to facilitate HIV-related communication and disclosure within couples. MPI should remain a priority intervention in PMTCT programmes, and increased efforts should be made to promote MPI in PMTCT.

Exploring the relevance of male involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services in Blantyre, Malawi

Background

Male involvement (MI) in Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services remains low despite the progress registered in the implementation of the PMTCT program. Male involvement in PMTCT is a fairly new concept in Malawi that has not been fully implemented within PMTCT service provision despite its inclusion in the PMTCT guidelines. One of the reasons for the limited MI is the lack of knowledge on both its relevance and the role of men in the program. Currently, men have been encouraged to participate in PMTCT services without prior research on their understanding of the relevance and their role in PMTCT. This information is vital to the development of programs that will require MI in PMTCT. The objective of this study was to explore the views of men, pregnant women and health care providers on the importance and roles of MI in PMTCT services in Blantyre Malawi.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2012 to January 2013 at South Lunzu Health Centre (SLHC) and its catchment area in Blantyre, Malawi. We conducted 6 key informant interviews (KIIs) with health care workers and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 18 men and 17 pregnant women. Interviews and discussions were digitally recorded and simultaneously transcribed and translated into English. Data were analyzed using framework analysis approach.

Results

The major themes that emerged on the relevance of MI in PMTCT were a) uptake of interventions along the PMTCT cascade b) support mechanism and c) education strategy. Lack of MI in PMTCT was reported to result into non-disclosure of HIV test results and non-compliance with PMTCT interventions.

Conclusions

Male involvement is paramount for the uptake of interventions at the different cascades of PMTCT. The absence of male involvement may compromise compliance with PMTCT interventions.

Stakeholders' perceptions on factors influencing male involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services in Blantyre, Malawi

BACKGROUND

Male Involvement (MI) in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services is essential in a patriarchal society where men are decision makers of the household. Male partners have a role in the woman's risk of acquiring HIV, uptake of HIV testing and participation in Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention programmes. Although MI is important for uptake of PMTCT interventions, it remains low in Africa. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that promote and hinder MI in PMTCT services in antenatal care (ANC) services in Blantyre, Malawi. Understanding of the factors that influence MI will assist in developing strategies that will involve men more in the programme thereby improving the uptake of PMTCT and HIV testing and counselling services by women and men respectively.

METHODS

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from December 2012 to January 2013 at South Lunzu Health Centre (SLHC) in Blantyre, Malawi. It consisted of six face to face Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health care workers and four Focus Group discussions (FGDs) with 18 men and 17 pregnant women attending antenatal care at the clinic. The FGDs were divided according to sex and age. All FGDs and KIIs were digitally recorded and simultaneously transcribed and translated verbatim into English. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

Participants in both FGDs and KIIs identified the following barriers: lack of knowledge of MI in PMTCT, socioeconomic factors, relationship issues, timidity to be seen in a woman's domain, unplanned and or extramarital pregnancies, fear of knowing one's HIV status, unwillingness to be associated with the service, health facility based factors, peer influence and cultural factors. The factors that would potentially promote male involvement were categorized into community, health facility and personal or family level factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors that may hinder or promote MI arise from different sources. The success of MI lies on recognizing sources of barriers and averting them. Factors that promote MI need to be implemented at different levels of health care.

Impacts of four communication programs on HIV testing behavior in South Africa

This paper aims to evaluate the impacts of four communication programs on promoting HIV testing behavior among sexually active individuals in South Africa. The four programs, implemented by Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa, are aimed to promote HIV prevention behaviors, as well as gender-based violence prevention, tuberculosis screening and treatment, and reduction of alcohol consumption. Launched between 2009 and 2010, they all promoted HIV testing. Data came from the population-based Third National AIDS Communication Survey 2012; 6004 men and women who had sex within the last 12 months were included in the analysis. Multiple causal attribution analysis is used to justify causal reference and estimate the impact of communication programs. Findings indicate significant direct and indirect effects of the programs on HIV testing behavior. Indirect effects worked through increasing one's likelihood of perceiving that their friends were tested and the probability of talking about HIV testing with sex partners and friends, which in turn increased the likelihood of HIV testing. Findings suggest multiple angles from which communication programs can promote HIV testing. The study also demonstrates the use of multiple statistical techniques for causal attribution in a post-only design, where randomization is not possible.

Home visits during pregnancy enhance male partner HIV counselling and testing in Kenya: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

HIV testing male partners of pregnant women may decrease HIV transmission to women and promote uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) interventions. However, it has been difficult to access male partners in antenatal care (ANC) clinics. We hypothesized that home visits to offer HIV testing to partners of women attending ANC would increase partner HIV testing.

METHODS

Women attending their first ANC were enrolled, interviewed using smartphone audio-computer-assisted self-interviews and randomized to home visits or written invitations for male partners to come to clinic, if they were married or cohabiting, unaccompanied by partners and had no prior couple HIV counselling and testing (CHCT). Enrolled men were offered CHCT (HIV testing and mutual disclosure). Prevalence of CHCT, male HIV seropositivity, couple serodiscordance and intimate partner violence, reported as physical threat from partner, were compared at 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Among 495 women screened, 312 were eligible, and 300 randomized to clinic-based or home-based CHCT. Median age was 22 years (interquartile range 20-26 years), and 87% were monogamous. CHCT was significantly higher in home-visit than in clinic-invitation arm (n = 128, 85% vs. n = 54, 36%; P < 0.001). Home-arm identified more HIV-seropositive men (12.0 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.248) and more HIV-discordant couples (14.7 vs. 4.7%; P = 0.003). There was no difference in intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

Home visits of pregnant women were safe and resulted in more male partner testing and mutual disclosure of HIV status. This strategy could facilitate prevention of maternal HIV acquisition, improve PMTCT uptake and increase male HIV diagnosis.

Predictors of recent HIV testing among male street laborers in urban Vietnam

This study assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with HIV testing among male street laborers. In a cross-sectional survey, social mapping was done to recruit and interview 450 men aged 18-59 years in Hanoi. Although many of these men engaged in multiple risk behaviors for HIV, only 19.8 percent had been tested for HIV. A modified theoretical model provided better fit than the conventional Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, as it explained much more variance in HIV testing. This model included three Information-Motivation-Behavioral components and four additional factors, namely, the origin of residence, sexual orientation, the number of sexual partners, and the status of condom use.

Increasing HIV testing among male partners

OBJECTIVE

Couple-oriented posttest HIV counselling (COC) provides pregnant women with tools and strategies to invite her partner to HIV counselling and testing. We conducted a randomized trial of the efficacy of COC on partner HIV testing in low/medium HIV prevalence settings (Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Georgia, India).

METHODS

Pregnant women were randomized to receive standard posttest HIV counselling or COC and followed until 6 months postpartum. Partner HIV testing events were notified by site laboratories, self-reported by women or both combined. Impact of COC on partner HIV testing was measured in intention-to-treat analysis. Socio-behavioural factors associated with partner HIV testing were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 1943 pregnant women enrolled, partner HIV testing rates (combined indicator) were 24.7% among women from COC group versus 14.3% in standard posttest HIV counselling group in Cameroon [odds ratio (OR) = 2.0 95% CI (1.2-3.1)], 23.1 versus 20.3% in Dominican Republic [OR = 1.2 (0.8-1.8)], 26.8 versus 1.2% in Georgia [OR = 29.6 (9.1-95.6)] and 35.4 versus 26.6% in India [OR = 1.5 (1.0-2.2)]. Women having received COC did not report more conjugal violence or union break-ups than in the standard posttest HIV counselling group. The main factors associated with partner HIV testing were a history of HIV testing among men in Cameroon, Dominican Republic and Georgia and the existence of couple communication around HIV testing in Georgia and India.

CONCLUSION

A simple prenatal intervention taking into account the couple relationship increases the uptake of HIV testing among men in different socio-cultural settings. COC could contribute to the efforts towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

A systematic review of qualitative findings on factors enabling and deterring uptake of HIV testing in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Despite Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) being the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, uptake of HIV testing is not optimal. While qualitative studies have been undertaken to investigate factors influencing uptake of HIV testing, systematic reviews to provide a more comprehensive understanding are lacking.

METHODS

Using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography method, we synthesised published qualitative research to understand factors enabling and deterring uptake of HIV testing in SSA. We identified 5,686 citations out of which 56 were selected for full text review and synthesised 42 papers from 13 countries using Malpass' notion of first-, second-, and third-order constructs.

RESULTS

The predominant factors enabling uptake of HIV testing are deterioration of physical health and/or death of sexual partner or child. The roll-out of various HIV testing initiatives such as 'opt-out' provider-initiated HIV testing and mobile HIV testing has improved uptake of HIV testing by being conveniently available and attenuating fear of HIV-related stigma and financial costs. Other enabling factors are availability of treatment and social network influence and support. Major barriers to uptake of HIV testing comprise perceived low risk of HIV infection, perceived health workers' inability to maintain confidentiality and fear of HIV-related stigma. While the increasingly wider availability of life-saving treatment in SSA is an incentive to test, the perceived psychological burden of living with HIV inhibits uptake of HIV testing. Other barriers are direct and indirect financial costs of accessing HIV testing, and gender inequality which undermines women's decision making autonomy about HIV testing. Despite differences across SSA, the findings suggest comparable factors influencing HIV testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving uptake of HIV testing requires addressing perception of low risk of HIV infection and perceived inability to live with HIV. There is also a need to continue addressing HIV-related stigma, which is intricately linked to individual economic support. Building confidence in the health system through improving delivery of health care and scaling up HIV testing strategies that attenuate social and economic costs of seeking HIV testing could also contribute towards increasing uptake of HIV testing in SSA.

Determinants of male involvement in maternal and child health services in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Introduction

Male participation is a crucial component in the optimization of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services. This is especially so where prevention strategies to decrease Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are sought. This study aims to identify determinants of male partners’ involvement in MCH activities, focusing specifically on HIV prevention of maternal to child transmission (PMTCT) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Literature review was conducted using the following data bases: Pubmed/MEDLINE; CINAHL; EMBASE; COCHRANE; Psych INFORMATION and the websites of the International AIDS Society (IAS), the International AIDS Conference and the International Conference on AIDS in Africa (ICASA) 2011.

Results

We included 34 studies in this review, which reported on male participation in MCH and PMTCT services. The majority of studies defined male participation as male involvement solely during antenatal HIV testing. Other studies defined male involvement as any male participation in HIV couple counseling. We identified three main determinants for male participation in PMTCT services: 1) Socio-demographic factors such as level of education, income status; 2) health services related factors such as opening hours of services, behavior of health providers and the lack of space to accommodate male partners; and 3) Sociologic factors such as beliefs, attitudes and communication between men and women.

Conclusion

There are many challenges to increase male involvement/participation in PMTCT services. So far, few interventions addressing these challenges have been evaluated and reported. It is clear however that improvement of antenatal care services by making them more male friendly, and health education campaigns to change beliefs and attitudes of men are absolutely needed.

Male involvement for increasing the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programmes

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts to increase the uptake of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services, coverage is still lower than desired in developing countries. A lack of male partner involvement in PMTCT services is a major barrier for women to access these services.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of interventions which aim to enhance male involvement to increase women's uptake of PMTCT interventions in developing countries.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases from the year 2000 to November 2011: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the WHO Global Health Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials, AEGIS, CROI, IAS, IAC web sites.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised controlled trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series studies assessing interventions to increase male involvement for improvement of uptake PMTCT services in low- and middle-income countries..

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently searched, screened, assessed study quality and extracted data. A third reviewer resolved any disagreement.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one study met the inclusion criteria, an RCT conducted in Tanzania between May 2003 and October 2004. Women in the intervention group (n=760) received a letter for their male partners, which invited them to return together to receive Couple Voluntary Counselling and Testing (CVCT) for HIV. Women in the control group (n=761) received individual HIV VCT during their first ANC visit and then usual care. The percentages of women who received HIV VCT and collected their results were 48%, 45% and 39% in the intervention group and 93%, 78% and 71% in the control group (p <0,001). Only 33% of women in the intervention group returned with their male partners and only 47% of them went through the whole CVCT process. The proportion of women who received HIV prophylaxis at delivery was not different between the two arms (27% in the intervention and 22% in the control group). The study had a high risk of bias.  

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found only one eligible study that assessed the effectiveness of male involvement in improving women's uptake of PMTCT services, which only focused on one part of the perinatal PMTCT cascade. We urgently need more rigorously designed studies assessing the impact of male engagement interventions on women's uptake of PMTCT services to know if this intervention can contribute to improve uptake of PMTCT services and reduce vertical transmission of HIV in children.   

Community strategies that improve care and retention along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV cascade: a review

Introduction

While biomedical innovations have made it possible to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child, poor retention along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) cascade continues to limit the impact of programmes, especially in low-resourced settings. In many of the regions with the highest burden of HIV and the greatest number of new paediatric cases, the uptake of facility-based care by pregnant women remains low. In such settings, the continuum of care for pregnant women and other women of reproductive age necessarily relies on the community. There is no recent review capturing effective, promising practices that are community-based and/or employ community-oriented groups to improve outcomes for the prevention of vertical transmission. This review summarizes those studies demonstrating that community-based and community-oriented interventions significantly influence retention and related outcomes along the PMTCT cascade.

Methods

Literature on retention within prevention of vertical transmission programmes available on PubMed, Psych Info and MEDLINE was searched and manuscripts reporting on key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes were identified. Short-listed studies that captured significant PMTCT outcome improvements resulting from community-based interventions or facility-based employment of community cohorts (e.g. lay counsellors, community volunteers, etc.) were selected for review.

Results

The initial search (using terms “HIV” and “PMTCT”) yielded 430 articles. These results were further narrowed using terminology relevant to community prevention of vertical transmission strategies addressing retention: “community,” “PMTCT cascade,” “retention,” “loss to follow up” and “early infant diagnosis.” Nine of these reported statistically significant improvements in key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes while meeting other review criteria. Short-listed articles reflect diverse study designs and a variety of effective interventions. Two interventions occurred exclusively in the community and four effectively employed community groups within facilities. The remaining three integrated community- and facility-based components. The outcomes of the included studies focus on knowledge (n=3) and retention along the PMTCT cascade (n=6).

Conclusions

This review captures an array of promising community-based and community-oriented interventions that demonstratively improve key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes. Though the strategies captured here show that such interventions work, the limited number of rigorous studies identified make it clear that expansion of community approaches and complementary reporting and related research are sorely needed.

The importance of addressing gender inequality in efforts to end vertical transmission of HIV

ISSUES

The recently launched "Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive" sets forth ambitious targets that will require more widespread implementation of comprehensive prevention of vertical HIV transmission (PMTCT) programmes. As PMTCT policymakers and implementers work toward these new goals, increased attention must be paid to the role that gender inequality plays in limiting PMTCT programmatic progress.

DESCRIPTION

A growing body of evidence suggests that gender inequality, including gender-based violence, is a key obstacle to better outcomes related to all four components of a comprehensive PMTCT programme. Gender inequality affects the ability of women and girls to protect themselves from HIV, prevent unintended pregnancies and access and continue to use HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

LESSONS LEARNED

In light of this evidence, global health donors and international bodies increasingly recognize that it is critical to address the gender disparities that put women and children at increased risk of HIV and impede their access to care. The current policy environment provides unprecedented opportunities for PMTCT implementers to integrate efforts to address gender inequality with efforts to expand access to clinical interventions for preventing vertical HIV transmission. Effective community- and facility-based strategies to transform harmful gender norms and mitigate the impacts of gender inequality on HIV-related outcomes are emerging. PMTCT programmes must embrace these strategies and expand beyond the traditional focus of delivering ARV prophylaxis to pregnant women living with HIV. Without greater implementation of comprehensive, gender transformative PMTCT programmes, elimination of vertical transmission of HIV will remain elusive.

HIV-free survival among nine- to 24-month-old children born to HIV-positive mothers in the Rwandan national PMTCT programme: a community-based household survey

BACKGROUND

Operational effectiveness of large-scale national programmes for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. We report on HIV-free survival among nine- to 24-month-old children born to HIV-positive mothers in the national PMTCT programme in Rwanda.

METHODS

We conducted a national representative household survey between February and May 2009. Participants were mothers who had attended antenatal care at least once during their most recent pregnancy, and whose children were aged nine to 24 months. A two-stage stratified (geographic location of PMTCT site, maternal HIV status during pregnancy) cluster sampling was used to select mother-infant pairs to be interviewed during household visits. Alive children born from HIV-positive mothers (HIV-exposed children) were tested for HIV according to routine HIV testing protocol. We calculated HIV-free survival at nine to 24 months. We subsequently determined factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV, child death and HIV-free survival using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Out of 1448 HIV-exposed children surveyed, 44 (3.0%) were reported dead by nine months of age. Of the 1340 children alive, 53 (4.0%) tested HIV positive. HIV-free survival was estimated at 91.9% (95% confidence interval: 90.4-93.3%) at nine to 24 months. Adjusting for maternal, child and health system factors, being a member of an association of people living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.1-0.995) improved by 30% HIV-free survival among children, whereas the maternal use of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen for PMTCT (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-1.07) had a borderline effect.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-free survival among HIV-exposed children aged nine to 24 months is estimated at 91.9% in Rwanda. The national PMTCT programme could achieve greater impact on child survival by ensuring access to HAART for all HIV-positive pregnant women in need, improving the quality of the programme in rural areas, and strengthening linkages with community-based support systems, including associations of people living with HIV.

[PMTCT in Benin: Is the pregnant women's consent free and informed?]

INTRODUCTION

In international and national HIV/AIDS policies, free and informed consent is recognized as one of the major components of testing programs. For pregnant women, free and informed consent means that they should get information on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), understand them and make an independent choice after weighing the risks and advantages. However, no PMTCT program looked into the issue of consent. The objective of this paper is to explore the free and informed nature of pregnant women's consent with regard to testing and their rationale for accepting to be tested.

METHODS

We used data collected within the framework of the analysis of the creation of the PMTCT program in Benin. This analysis is based on multiple case studies that covered six maternity homes selected from 56 operational sites. For the specific analysis of consent, we used both survey data and qualitative research data.

FINDINGS

Apart from three cases of secret testing, the free nature of the consent to the test is respected on the PMTCT sites. Twenty-nine cases of refusal were recorded. The reasons put forth by most pregnant women include the fear of a positive test and its consequences on family life in 55.2% of cases and the expectation of their husbands' agreement or disagreement in 27.6% of cases. On the whole, the consent was free on all the sites but its informed nature is less respected.

Male partner voluntary counselling and testing associated with the antenatal services in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a randomized controlled trial

Low male participation in voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services at antenatal clinics (ANCs) represents a lost HIV-prevention opportunity. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted that offered VCT at a neighbourhood health centre, bar or church to the male partners of pregnant women attending a maternity unit in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The primary outcome was the proportion of male participation at VCT; secondary outcomes were uptake of couple counselling and determinants of male and couple participation. From a total of 2706 women included in the study, 591 male partners (22%) attended one of the three venues. Male participation was significantly higher in bars (26%, P < 0.001), and higher but not statistically significant in church-based VCT (21%, P = 0.163) compared with health centre VCT (18%). Male participation in VCT associated with ANCs was higher in non-health service settings, particularly in bars. A combination of different strategies rather than single targeted interventions will be needed to increase VCT uptake in male partners of women seeking VCT at ANCs.

Strategic Challenges of PMTCT Program Implementation in Ethiopia

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the achievement of the prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program and to describe the strategic challenges of its implementation in the the Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods: PMTCT program reports were collected over a period of 12 months from 25 zones of Oromia region. The health facilities in these zones include 28 hospitals and 84 health centers. The reports were analyzed with regard to international and national policies, guidelines, and priorities. Meanwhile, in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from the government and an nongovernmental organization (NGO). Results: The reports showed that 72 277 (47%) pregnant women who attended antenatal care were tested for HIV. Although 1461 (65%) HIV-positive women walked away without intervention, 1579 (71%) babies born to HIV-positive mothers did not access prophylactic medicine. Interviews with key informants revealed that stakeholders’ inertia to coordinated action, disconnect between the regional office and service providers at the grassroots, and an unclear national policy on HIV were major challenges to the program. Conclusion: Addressing policy issues and setting clear purposes for all partners need a committed local leadership and program ownership at regional and federal levels.

Is 'Opt-Out HIV Testing' a real option among pregnant women in rural districts in Kenya?

Background

An 'opt-out' policy of routine HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is being implemented across sub-Saharan Africa to expand prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Although the underlying assumption is that pregnant women in rural Africa are able to voluntarily consent to HIV testing, little is known about the reality and whether 'opt-out' HCT leads to higher completion rates of PMTCT. Factors associated with consent to HIV testing under the 'opt-out' approach were investigated through a large cross-sectional study in Kenya.

Methods

Observations during HIV pre-test information sessions were followed by a cross-sectional survey of 900 pregnant women in three public district hospitals carrying out PMTCT in the Busia district. Women on their first antenatal care (ANC) visit during the current pregnancy were interviewed after giving blood for HIV testing but before learning their test results. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were performed.

Results

Of the 900 women participating, 97% tested for HIV. Lack of testing kits was the only reason for women not being tested, i.e. nobody declined HIV testing. Despite the fact that 96% had more than four earlier pregnancies and 37% had been tested for HIV at ANC previously, only 17% of the women surveyed knew that testing was optional. Only 20% of those surveyed felt they could make an informed decision to decline HIV testing. Making an informed decision to decline HIV testing was associated with knowing that testing was optional (OR = 5.44, 95%CI 3.44-8.59), not having a stable relationship with the child's father (OR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.02-3.03), and not having discussed HIV testing with a partner before the ANC visit (OR = 2.64 95%CI 1.79-3.86).

Conclusion

High coverage of HIV testing appears to be achieved at the cost of pregnant women not understanding that testing is optional. Good quality HIV pre-test information is central to ensure that pregnant women understand and accept the reasons for testing and will thus come back to collect their test results, an important prerequisite for completing PMTCT for those who test HIV-positive.

Are men testing? Sex differentials in HIV testing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

HIV testing is the centerpiece of the national AIDS program in South Africa and many HIV-endemic countries, yet there is surprisingly little published data on who uses testing services. In 2006, we conducted a census of HIV-testing records in all 282 public and non-governmental voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) sites in Mpumalanga (MP), South Africa, the province with the highest HIV prevalence in the country. We secured data on the age and sex of all those tested in 260 sites since the year testing was initiated, as far back as 1998 in some sites. For the year 2006, we also secured data on whether a client came to VCT through self-referral, antenatal services (prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)), or medical referral. The results characterize the rapid uptake of testing as facilities increased, with the number of people testing in MP more than doubling each year between 2002 and 2006. However, there is a persistent 3:1 differential of females:males testing, with 72.7% of all testing among females. When pregnancy-related testing (via PMTCT) is excluded, females still account for 65.1% of all testing in MP. The data also suggest men are more likely to test at older ages and as a result of medical referral. In summary, females in MP are far more likely to use HIV testing than males, even after accounting for increased access to testing during pregnancy. Sex differentials in HIV testing warrant closer policy attention.

Opt-out HIV testing during antenatal care: experiences of pregnant women in rural Uganda

Two years after the introduction of provider-initiated, opt-out HIV counselling and testing during antenatal care (ANC) in Uganda, HIV testing uptake is still low. This study was carried out to explore pregnant women's experiences of, and views on, the policies for opt-out, and couple HIV testing, and to understand how the policy implementation could be improved in order to increase access to prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) services. The study was conducted at three ANC health facilities at different levels of care in rural eastern Uganda. Data were collected through sit-in observations during ANC and 18 semi-structured interviews with pregnant women receiving ANC, and thereafter analysed using latent content analysis. Pregnant women who received ANC from facilities that provided HIV testing on-site perceived HIV testing as compulsory without actually fully realizing the benefits of HIV testing and PMTCT. No referral for HIV testing or information about testing was given at ANC facilities that lacked HIV testing on-site. A major challenge of couple HIV testing was that pregnant women were made responsible for recruiting their spouses for testing, a precarious dilemma for many women who tried to fulfil health workers' requests without having the power to do so. In order to increase uptake of PMTCT services, the pre-test counselling in groups that precedes the provider-initiated HIV testing should be adjusted to inform women about the benefits of PMTCT. Further, if testing is perceived as compulsory it could potentially deter some women from seeking ANC services. In order to increase HIV testing of male partners new strategies are needed, for example peer-sensitization and male clinics. Moreover, to achieve the desired outcomes of the PMTCT programme, monitoring and evaluation should be built into the programme.

Mistrust in marriage--reasons why men do not accept couple HIV testing during antenatal care- a qualitative study in eastern Uganda

BACKGROUND

A policy for couple HIV counseling and testing was introduced in 2006 in Uganda, urging pregnant women and their spouses to be HIV tested together during antenatal care (ANC). The policy aims to identify HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV through prophylactic antiretroviral treatment, to provide counseling, and to link HIV-infected persons to care. However, the uptake of couple testing remains low. This study explores men's views on, and experiences of couple HIV testing during ANC.

METHODS

The study was conducted at two time points, in 2008 and 2009, in the rural Iganga and Mayuge districts of eastern Uganda. We carried out nine focus group discussions, about 10 participants in each, and in-depth interviews with 13 men, all of whom were fathers. Data were collected in the local language, Lusoga, audio-recorded and thereafter translated and transcribed into English and analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Men were fully aware of the availability of couple HIV testing, but cited several barriers to their use of these services. The men perceived their marriages as unstable and distrustful, making the idea of couple testing unappealing because of the conflicts it could give rise to. Further, they did not understand why they should be tested if they did not have symptoms. Finally, the perceived stigmatizing nature of HIV care and rude attitudes among health workers at the health facilities led them to view the health facilities providing ANC as unwelcoming. The men in our study had several suggestions for how to improve the current policy: peer sensitization of men, make health facilities less stigmatizing and more male-friendly, train health workers to meet men's needs, and hold discussions between health workers and community members.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, pursuing couple HIV testing as a main avenue for making men more willing to test and support PMTCT for their wives, does not seem to work in its current form in this region. HIV services must be better adapted to local gender systems taking into account that incentives, health-seeking behavior and health system barriers differ between men and women.

Uptake of prenatal HIV testing in Hai Phong Province, Vietnam

The objective of the study is to describe the uptake of prenatal HIV testing among Vietnamese women. Exit interviews were conducted among 300 women who had delivered at Hai Phong obstetrical hospital. Information about socioeconomic characteristics and HIV testing was obtained through structured questionnaire interviews. It was found that 45% of the women were tested for HIV before the end of 34 weeks of gestation, 5% in 35 to 40 weeks of gestation, and 55% at labor. Low educational levels, being a farmer or worker, having a low income, and living close to the hospital were associated with being tested at labor. When adjusting for possible confounders, however, living more than 15 km from the hospital was the only factor, which remained significantly associated with HIV testing during labor (odds ratio = 2.15; confidence interval = 1.14-4.04). The results suggest that many Vietnamese women are not tested for HIV during prenatal care and that a relationship exists between distance to the hospital and lack of HIV testing during pregnancy.