Determinant factors for provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing among pregnant women in Cheha district, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling provides a critical opportunity to diagnose HIV infection, begin chronic care and prevent mother-to-child transmission. Without knowing the determinant factors of HIV testing among pregnant women, it is very difficult to implement prevention of a mother-to-child transmission programme. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the determinant factors for HIV testing among pregnant women in Cheha District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A case-controlled study was conducted among pregnant women in the health facilities of Cheha district, Southern Ethiopia. The study cases were pregnant women who refused HIV testing and controls were pregnant women who accepted HIV testing in their current pregnancy. A total of 327 pregnant women were involved in the study using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regressions were fitted to identify independent predictors for HIV testing. Results: In this study women who were living with their husbands at the same place were 76% less likely to refuse HIV testing compared to their counterparts, while mothers who had comprehensive knowledge on mother-to-child transmission of HIV were 66% less likely to refuse HIV testing. Similarly, women who attended at least two antenatal care visits were 64% less likely to refuse the test, and pregnant women who had a favourable attitude towards provider-initiated HIV testing were 55% less likely to refuse the test. Conclusion: Behavioural change communication on prenatal HIV transmission, consistent use of antenatal care service and the role of HIV testing on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus should be strengthened through community health workers. A well functioning and accessible health facility with prevention of mother-to-child transmission services is important, especially for rural communities.