Factors associated with male partner involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in the Gokwe North District, Zimbabwe: A qualitative study

Vimbai Chibango

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i3.6022

Abstract

Male partners’ involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) intervention programmes is crucial in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, male partner involvement in PMTCT is low in most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the major factors associated with male partner involvement in PMTCT of HIV programmes in the Gokwe North District of Zimbabwe. The study utilised qualitative methods. Data was collected using a pretested interview guide. Purposive sampling methods were used to select participants of focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Interviews were conducted from May to September 2015. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The study revealed that local traditional leaders played a role in mobilising men in communities. Awareness campaigns enhanced communities’ knowledge about PMTCT. Couple communication proved to be vital in promoting male involvement. However, stigmatisation against men utilising antenatal-care services, fear of HIV results and a lack of knowledge of the practices surrounding PMTCT of HIV programmes were hindrances to male partner involvement. Collaboration and engagement amongst stakeholders especially with traditional leadership can be essential in increasing male partner participation in PMTCT. Education has proved to be a catalyst in the de-stigmatisation of men in PMTCT programmes. Moreover, HIV counselling can illuminate an understanding on the implications of HIV test results. The significant contribution of this article is its demonstration of the role of African traditional leadership and belief systems in curbing HIV infections, particularly in terms of male partners’ involvement in PMTCT initiatives.Contribution: The significant contribution of this article is its demonstration of the role of African traditional leadership and belief systems in curbing HIV infections, particularly in terms of male partners’ involvement in PMTCT initiatives.

Highlights

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes focussed on enabling women to utilise the intervention services, and less attention was paid to their male partners (Ngure et al 2017)
The findings of this study revealed that traditional leaders in the district played an important role in encouraging communities to take part in educational programmes conducted by healthcare workers, as well as in motivating the male partners to participate in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes
It gives an impression that the couple has not been faithful to each other. They cannot say it aloud because it is not permitted by law to discriminate against someone or to label them on the grounds of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status.’ (Rumbi, female, 22 years). These results demonstrate that HIV-related stigma discouraged men from participating in PMTCT programmes and that HIV was strongly regarded as an infection that resulted from promiscuity

Summary

Introduction

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes focussed on enabling women to utilise the intervention services, and less attention was paid to their male partners (Ngure et al 2017). This made antenatal clinics seem as women’s spaces and ‘reproductive health’ as women’s health (Ramirez-Ferrero & Lusti-Narasimhan 2012). The exclusion of men in these spaces eventually led to a failure of the women to fully utilise the PMTCT services because few men would test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during their partner’s pregnancy (Msuya et al 2008). Men’s influence on decision-making and on women’s utilisation of PMTCT services is often common in societies whose cultures are predominantly patriarchal. Figl (2003 cited in Beyers 2017:2) defines culture as the ‘widest ethnographic sense to refer to knowledge, beliefs, art, ethics, customs, practices and skills which humans as members of a community have acquired’ (Figl 2003 cited in Beyers 2017:2)

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