Assessment of male partner involvement in PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among HIV-positive pregnant women attending adult HIV care in Nauth, Nnewi

Ekeocha, Emeka Joseph; Nwafia, Abuchi Emmanuel; Joy, Chikwendu Ifeyinwa; Ifeadike, Chigozie O; Okoye, Chibuzo Faustina; Afonne, Onyenmechi Johnson; Ajator, Chioma Chetachukwu; Izuchukwu, Dim Basil

doi:10.21608/mid.2023.227079.1585

Assessment of male partner involvement in PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among HIV-positive pregnant women attending adult HIV care in Nauth, Nnewi

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Community Medicine Department NAUTH Nnewi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria.

² Parasitology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

³ Community medicine and primary health care, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

⁴ Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

⁵ Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

⁶ Community Medicine Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

10.21608/mid.2023.227079.1585

Abstract

Background: The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS is an essential intervention to mitigate new HIV infections among newborns. Male partner involvement plays a vital role in improving PMTCT outcomes by supporting HIV-positive pregnant women in adhering to treatment regimens and making informed decisions. This study aimed to assess the level of male partner involvement in PMTCT services among HIV-positive pregnant women attending adult HIV care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 among 427 HIV-positive pregnant women attending adult HIV care at NAUTH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, male partner involvement, and barriers to involvement. An observational checklist was also used to determine the factors and effects of male partner involvement in PMTCT in correlation to their female counterparts’ reports. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that 13.8% of the participants reported male partner involvement in PMTCT services. However, the level of involvement varied significantly across different aspects of PMTCT, with higher involvement observed in HIV testing and counseling (81.0%) and lower involvement in the number of times of attendance of more than twice (3.3%). Factors such as distance to the health facility, higher education level of partners, and having discussed the feeding options for the baby were positively associated with male partner involvement. Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of enhancing male partner involvement in PMTCT services to optimize HIV/AIDS prevention efforts among infants. Efforts should focus on improving knowledge and awareness of PMTCT among men and addressing socio-cultural barriers. Integrating strategies to actively engage male partners within the existing healthcare system can strengthen PMTCT programs and improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

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