Ditekemena J, Matendo R, Koole O, Colebunders R, Kashamuka M, Tshefu A, Kilese N, Nanlele D, Ryder R. Male partner voluntary counselling and testing associated with the antenatal services in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a randomized controlled trial.
Int J STD AIDS 2011;
22:165-70. [PMID:
21464455 DOI:
10.1258/ijsa.2010.010379]
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Abstract
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.
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