Assessment of male partner involvement in PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among HIV-positive pregnant women attending adult HIV care in Nauth, Nnewi | ||||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 October 2023 PDF (539.93 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2023.227079.1585 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Emeka Joseph Ekeocha1; Abuchi Emmanuel Nwafia2; Chikwendu Ifeyinwa Joy2; Chigozie O Ifeadike3; Chibuzo Faustina Okoye  3; Onyenmechi Johnson Afonne4; Chioma Chetachukwu Ajator5; Dim Basil Izuchukwu6
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| 1Community Medicine Department NAUTH Nnewi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. | ||||
| 2Parasitology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. | ||||
| 3Community medicine and primary health care, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. | ||||
| 4Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | ||||
| 5Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. | ||||
| 6Community Medicine Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. | ||||
| 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. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| PMTCT; HIV/AIDS; male partner involvement; pregnant women; Nigeria | ||||
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