Factors Associated with Male Partner Involvement in Programs for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Rural South Africa.

Motlagabo G Matseke,Karl Peltzer,Sibusiso Sifunda,Geoffrey Setswe,Robert A C Ruiter,Violeta J Rodriguez

doi:10.3390/ijerph14111333

Abstract

Male partner involvement (MPI) can contribute to the success of programs aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, the definition and measures of MPI differ according to context. This study utilized secondary cross-sectional data to investigate the prevalence and determinants of MPI among 463 male partners of HIV-infected pregnant women in rural South Africa. Results indicated that 44.1% of male partners reported involvement in most or all specified male partner involvement activities (i.e., scores of 7 to 9). Descriptive, correlation and multiple linear-regression analyses were conducted. Positive predictors of MPI included relationship status, own HIV status, awareness of female partner’s positive HIV status, female partner’s desire to have more children, having family planning discussions with provider, condom use to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and partner reasoning skills. Negative predictors included partner verbal aggression. Overall, although MPI is low, the study underlines important information that could be used to develop interventions aimed at improving maternal and infant health in PMTCT programs in South Africa.

Highlights

There is ample evidence documenting the positive contributions men can make in the successful prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) [1]
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs and services are centered around women, with men often lacking information that could assist them in making decisions regarding healthy behaviors and the roles they could play to promote overall family health, including accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services [1]
This study reports on the prevalence of male partner involvement and highlights some important factors that influence male partner involvement in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in rural South Africa

Summary

Introduction

There is ample evidence documenting the positive contributions men can make in the successful prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) [1]. Male partner involvement (MPI) in PMTCT programs has been promoted as one of the priority interventions to improve PMTCT outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries [1,2]. In South Africa, the National Strategic Plan on HIV, STIs and tuberculosis (TB) promotes the involvement and engagement of men to strengthen PMTCT programs [3]. The realization of MPI in sub-Saharan countries is challenging because of male-related and structural factors [4]. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs and services are centered around women, with men often lacking information that could assist them in making decisions regarding healthy behaviors and the roles they could play to promote overall family health, including accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services [1].

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Discussion

Conclusion