Acceptability and satisfaction of male partners with antenatal clinic-based HIV testing for PMTCT at Old-Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Despite benefits of and strategies to increase male partner participation in AHCT at Old-Mulago ANC, their attendance has remained very low (15.8% tested). It is not clear whether they accept AHCT and how satisfied those who have undergone it are. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 214 male partners of antenatal mothers at Old- Mulago ANC selected by simple random sampling was done. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed in Stata 10SE to obtain Odds ratios of satisfaction and their 95% CI so as to identify factors which influence satisfaction with AHCT services. Qualitative data was obtained through four FGDs and analyzed by thematic content analysis method. Results: AHCT acceptance was 99.8%, most respondents (81%) were satisfied with their overall AHCT experience and 71% were satisfied with service setting. FGD participants reported that AHCT for male partners is good but some men do not want to be tested together with their wives. The FGD participants too reported satisfaction with AHCT services. Factors with statistically significant association towards overall satisfaction were cleanliness/hygiene (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.12-5.70) and service duration (AOR 13.05, 95% CI 2.97-57.44). Conclusion/Recommendation: Men who escort their wives to the antenatal clinic tend to accept AHCT and tend to be satisfied with the testing experience. However, service duration should be reduced by minimizing delays and commencing work early. More staffs should be allocated to the antenatal clinic especially for antenatal examinations and laboratory.