EFFECTS OF HIV STATUS DISCLOSURE TO MALE PARTNERS ON WOMENS’ UTILIZATION OF PMTCT SERVICES AT A PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY IN KAMPALA DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of HIV status disclosure to male partners on the utilization of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) service among mothers at a public health facility in Kampala District with Kiswa health centre III. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the factors associated with the utilisation of PMTCT services among breastfeeding mothers and (ii) to determine the influence of HIVpositive status disclosure to male partners on the utilization of essential PMTCT Services among breastfeeding mothers. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional quantitative study was conducted with 123 breastfeeding women attending early infant diagnosis clinic. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire which consisted of both open-ended and closed-ended questions and analysed using quantitative data analysis techniques. Results: Overall 61 % (75) of the 123 participants that were interviewed disclosed their HIV+ status to their Male Partners. There was so significant relationship between Age, education, occupation, marital status, travel time, and distance travelled by the breastfeeding women and the frequency of attendance of PMTCT. Status disclosure of HIV+ Status and Male partner involvement in PMTCT services showed significant relationship. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between HIV+ Status disclosure and PMTCT service utilisation. Therefore we can ably conclude and say, HIV Status disclosure to male partners influences PMTCT utilisation both negatively and positively. More than half (57) the women of those that never disclosed their HIV+ status to the male partners feared abandonment while (47%) of those that disclosed their HIV+ status to their male partners desired to live longer and take care of their children Key Words: PMTCT, Breastfeeding women, Attendance of PMTCT, Male involvement.