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The concern for HIV/AIDS cannot be isolated from its devastating effects on socio-
economic development of any nation. Tanzania is one of the countries with HIV
prevalence rate of over 4% whence, like many other countries in Africa, Tanzania
adapted the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) in 2003 to curb
new HIV infections. Despite this assorted intervention, infant and child mortality
rates by AIDS have remained a puzzle. This study therefore, aimed at conducting an
assessment of husbands’ response to accompany their pregnant wives for HIV/AIDS
test in Antenatal Clinics (ANC) in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically the study
looked at awareness of testing, challenges for testing, the importance of testing in
ANC and factors influencing husbands’ reluctance to get tested in ANC. Total of 120
respondents were involved in this study and data were analyzed by using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where both inferential and descriptive statistics
were done. Women were found to be more aware of HIV testing in ANC compared
to their counterpart. Among others, the study identified occupational demands,
inadequacy of practitioners and lack of education as the major challenges for testing
in ANC while, arranging to deliver in health facility, early administration of ARVs
and enhance trust among couples were identified as the importance of testing in
ANC. On the other hand, awareness on testing and frequency of conception were
found to be the main predictors of husband's willingness to get tested for HIV in
ANC. The study has concluded that, men’s role in HIV prevention is pivotal to
changing the course of the epidemic men participation in PMTCT programs
increases their knowledge of HIV, develop supportive behavior and increases theiriii
receptiveness to HIV testing. The study has acclaimed policy intervention to enhance
men participation in PMTCT as well as eradication of HIV-related stigma to
encourage HIV testing among couples in Antenatal Clinics. |
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