LEVEL OF MALE INVOLVEMENT AND FACTORS INFLUENCING MALE INVOLVEMENT IN THE PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV

Shiyagaya Karolina N., Shikongo Katrina Kuna and Amukugo Hans Justus*

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study on factors influencing male involvement in the PMTCT programme was carried out among 115 males whose female partners were attending the antenatal care (ANC) in the Oshakati District of the Oshana Region. The purpose of the study was to determine factors associated with low male involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in Oshakati District. The objectives of this study were to determine factors influencing male involvement in PMTCT and to determine level of male involvement in PMTCT, with the aim of proposing interventions to ensure improved male involvement in the PMTCT programme for positive PMTCT outcomes. Data was collected using a standardised interview questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was employed. Data was analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 22. The analysis included bivariate analysis with Pearson chi-squared statistics and p-value, to determine any associations between the dependent variables and the main outcome of interest. The following factors were found to be associated with male involvement n PMTCT: education level (0.001), age of female partners (0.002), type of a relationship (0.005), as well as attitudes and beliefs about PMTCT. Other factors influencing male involvement in PMTCT included lack of information about PMTCT, culture, lack of trust within the relationship, time and health system. The study concluded that male partners lack knowledge about PMTCT, hence their involvement is also limited. Thus, a comprehensive strategy should be put in place to sensitize and advocate the importance of male partner involvement in ANC/PMTCT in order to reach out male partners.

Keywords: Male involvement, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.