Factors determining prenatal HIV testing for prevention of mother to child transmission in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Type Journal Article - Pediatrics International
Title Factors determining prenatal HIV testing for prevention of mother to child transmission in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Author(s)
Volume 49
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2007
Page numbers 286-292
URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17445058
Abstract
Background : The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Temeke district, Tanzania and (ii) to identify factors for non-acceptance of HIV testing among pregnant mothers in the area.
Methods : A structured questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews at ?ve health centers in the district. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of the refusal of human
immunode? ciency virus (HIV) testing with risk factors.
Results : Two hundred and seventy-three (68.1%) of the participants had already had HIV testing, while 128 (31.9%) had not. Participants’ general knowledge of HIV was high, but speci?c knowledge of mother to child transmission (MTCT) was relatively low. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, frequencies of antenatal clinic visits, awareness of MTCT and intensive family support were signi?cantly and inversely associated with the refusal of HIV testing.
Conclusions : Frequency of antenatal care visits, spreading information on HIV/acquired immune de?ciency syndrome especially MTCT, and husbands’ intensive support are signi?cant factors for increase of HIV test acceptance among pregnant women in the study area.

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