Abstract
Male partner involvement (MPI) in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered as one of the priority interventions in reducing paediatric HIV. However, there is neither a standard definition nor measurement for MPI in PMTCT. The study explored meanings of MPI in PMTCT programmes in Zimbabwe. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with men and women aged 18 years and above. Seven key informants (KII) from health institutions and organisations providing PMTCT services were interviewed. Eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with pregnant women at two public health facilities. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Five major themes were identified which facilitated our understanding of MPI. Male partner involvement was referred to as participation of male partners in HIV couple counselling and testing. Acceptance of condom use during pregnancy and breastfeeding was deemed vital as this prevents HIV transmission. Male partners were expected to have knowledge of administering antiretroviral drugs to an HIV-exposed child. Provision of financial support was another form of male involvement commonly expected during antenatal and postnatal periods. Faithfulness in marriage was a major theme that was highlighted, especially by respondents in marital relationships. Male partner presence in PMTCT community educational sessions was also considered. However, the provision of male-oriented educational programmes was identified as poor. The study suggested a definition for MPI in PMTCT in Zimbabwe. The merit of this definition was that it took a holistic approach to include activities beyond antenatal activities and HIV testing. Future research should explore how public health institutions could create male-oriented health services within PMTCT programmes, as this has the potential of increasing men’s involvement in PMTCT of HIV.Contribution: This article contributed to the knowledge on how world views, which is shaped by culture and religion, influenced the formation of meanings on MPI PMTCT programmes.
Highlights
Male partner involvement (MPI) in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered as one of the priority interventions in reducing paediatric HIV
The aim of this study was to explore the meanings associated with MPI in PMTCT
A positive way in which male partners were expected to participate in the PMTCT of HIV was to reduce sexual partners, as the results suggested that it was the male partners who seemed to be involved in extramarital sexual unions
Summary
Male partner involvement (MPI) in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered as one of the priority interventions in reducing paediatric HIV. A number of studies in the global south show that progress in the efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV has been hampered by no or low male partner support (Bwambale et al 2008; OPHID 2015; Orne-Gliemann et al 2010; Påfs et al 2015; Theuring et al 2009; Tshibumbu 2006), yet they play a significant role in decision-making processes that can affect women’s utilisation of healthcare services. Male partner involvement in PMTCT is a concept that has no universal or standard definition (Aluisio et al 2011; Ditekemana et al 2012; Montgomery, Van der Straten & Torjesen 2011), and different studies have attempted to formulate meanings that suit their specific contexts. Low levels of male involvement in PMTCTC programmes, amongst other factors, resulted from the historic institutionalisation of reproductive health, especially maternal and child health as a domain
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