Title: Factors influencing acceptability of voluntary counselling and HIV-testing among pregnant women in northern Tanzania.

POPLINE Document Number: 194635

Author(s):

De Paoli MM
Manongi R
Klepp KI

Source citation:

AIDS Care, 2004 May;16(4):411-425.

Abstract:

Guided by the conceptual framework of the Health Belief Model, this study aimed to identify factors associated with pregnant women’s expressed willingness to accept voluntary counselling and HIV-testing (VCT). A cross-sectional interview survey of 500 pregnant women, complemented by focus group discussions, was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Constructs derived from the Health Belief Model explained 41.7% of women’s willingness to accept VCT. Perceived high personal susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, barriers related to confidentiality and partner involvement, self efficacy regarding alternative feeding methods and religion were all shown to be associated with willingness to accept VCT. The women’s acceptance of VCT seems to depend upon their perceiving that VCT and alternative feeding strategies provide clear benefits, primarily for the child. Whether a positive attitude to VCT and alternative feeding strategies are transformed into actual behaviour depends on a set of complicated decisions in which several potential psychological consequences are assessed. Sharing the diagnosis with partners may not have the intended effect if there is a lack of sensitivity to the women’s fear of blame and rejection. If pregnant women are to fully participate in and benefit from mother-to-child-transmission prevention efforts, their partners must be committed and involved in the process. (author's)

Keywords:

Tanzania
Research Report
Cross Sectional Analysis
KAP Surveys
Pregnant Women
HIV Positive Persons
Women in Development
Sexual Partners
Counseling
HIV Testing
Attitude
Beliefs
Confidential Information
Self Esteem
Partner Communication
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Research Methodology
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Psychological Factors
Culture
Ethics
Interpersonal Relations