Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management) by Author "Adeleke, Olukayode Ademola"

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    Male partner involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in Mthatha, South Africa : women's perpsective
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Adeleke, Olukayode Ademola; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although the significant impact that male partners have on the health decisions and well-being of women have been well documented, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in many countries, including South Africa, has largely been targeted exclusively at HIV-positive women. This study focused on women’s perception of male involvement in the prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission of HIV program in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted among HIV-positive pregnant women who were on the PMTCT program at a clinic in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted among 20 participants and were audio-taped, transcribed, translated and analyzed. The main findings show that respondents recognized the benefits associated with as well as showed positive attitudes towards male participation in the PMTCT programme; 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-cultural factors, fear of knowing their HIV status and factors relating to health care systems. Suggested ways of encouraging male participation from respondents included writing invitational notes on women antenatal cards, adjusting current labour practices (so that men could be permitted to attend clinics with their partners) and the use of peer educators for mobilizing male participation. The study concluded that the positive attitudes of women on male participation and the benefits it may hold, point towards the possible re-designing of the PMTCT program in South Africa, where more male involvement would be encouraged as an integral part of this prevention strategy.