Factors Influencing Male Involvement in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Fort Portal Hospital, Kabarole, Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction: Male involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS is still very low despite efforts by bodies involved to inspire men into escorting their wives for antenatal and reproductive health services. Male participation in PMTCT however, is likely to increase females’ uptake of PMTCT services. Despite the fact that Fort Portal hospital has been implementing PMTCT, men have not been actively involved. The objectives were demographic, health system and socio-economic factors influencing male involvement in PMTCT of HIV/AIDs. Methodology: This study was a cross sectional study which was carried out to determine the factors influencing male involvement in PMTCT of HIV/AIDs in Fort Portal hospital. Objectives of the study were; demographic, health system and socio-economic factors that influence male involvement in PMTCT services. Women accessing PMTCT services in Fort Portal hospital were purposively selected and administered to questionnaires. Data were collected from 81participants using a questionnaire administered through face to face interview. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data and comparisons between demographic, health system, socio-economic factors and male involvement in PMTCT were conducted using cross tabulations. Results: Generally, most men were not aware of the presence of PMTCT programs. The main findings show that respondents recognized the benefits associated with as well as showed positive attitudes towards male participation in the PMTCT program; participants expressed the view that although most of their partners provided financial support during pregnancy, they were not involved in the PMTCT program; and they believed that partner involvement would be in the interest of their unborn children. Perceived obstacles to male partners’ involvement included socio-economic factors, fear of knowing their HIV status and factors relating to health care systems. Recommendations and conclusions: Suggested ways of encouraging male participation from respondents included writing invitational notes on women antenatal cards, adjusting current labor practices (so that men could be permitted to attend clinics with their partners) and the use of peer sensitizers for mobilizing male participation. The study concluded that the positive attitudes of women on male involvement and the benefits it may hold, point towards the possible re- designing of the PMTCT program in Fort Portal RRH, where more male involvement would be encouraged as an important part of this prevention strategy.