An assessment of the understanding of the offer of routine HIV testing among pregnant women in rural Zimbabwe1

1. Part of the results of this survey was presented at the 2006 HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting, June 12–15, 2006. Durban, South Africa. Abstract N° 441.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the understanding of routine offer of HIV testing among women using antenatal care (ANC) services in a rural African district. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Murewa district, Zimbabwe, among women consecutively enrolled during their first ANC visit in 10 health centres offering prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services including routine offer of HIV testing. Ninety-three (64%) ofthe 146 respondents had received some form ofeducation on the importance ofHIV testing before visiting the health centre on the day of their interview. Almost all respondents (n=139; 95%) felt that the information provided during the group education was sufficient to make a decision on whether or not they should have an HIV test. HIV testing uptake was high with 136 (93%) women being tested for HIV on the day ofthe interview. Ofthese, 128 (94%) were aware that they had been tested for HIV when interviewed before the time of receiving results. Fifty percent (n=67) ofthe women who accepted HIV testing directly after group education as part oftheir routine ANC blood tests were not aware, however, ofthe possibility of opting for individual pre-test counseling. The study found that in Zimbabwe, implementation of routine offer of HIV testing allowed women using ANC services to make an informed conscious decision to undertake an HIV test as part of the PMTCT package ofservices. There is a need to emphasize the availability off urther individual pre-test counseling if necessary since a selected subgroup of women may still benefit from it.

Keywords:

• routine HIV testing
• understanding
• pregnant women
• rural Zimbabawe

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation offices in the US and Zimbabwe for the financial and technical support for this study (Grant # 26-01) as well as USAID-Zimbabwe. The contributions of ISPED staff at the Harare, Buhera and Murewa offices are greatly valued. Special appreciation goes to the Provincial Medical Directorate Mashonaland East province and the Murewa District Executive for allowing this study to be conducted in their health institutions. Last but not least, the authors are grateful to the women for their participation in the interviews.

Notes

1. Part of the results of this survey was presented at the 2006 HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting, June 12–15, 2006. Durban, South Africa. Abstract N° 441.