Couple-oriented prenatal HIV counseling for HIV primary prevention: an acceptability study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Significant HIV infections occur within stable couples.
• Limited strategies exist for HIV prevention in conjugal settings.
• Research explored couple-oriented HIV counseling (COC) acceptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess acceptability of COC and male involvement in prenatal care.
• Identify barriers and facilitators to male participation in HIV services.
• Inform strategies for integrated HIV prevention within antenatal care.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach: quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• In-depth interviews with pregnant women, male partners, and healthcare workers.
• Direct observations and monitoring of the COC intervention.

Main Results:

• Men's participation in antenatal care is low due to traditional gender roles.
• Male involvement is perceived as acceptable and necessary for improving services.
• COC is seen as a feasible strategy to boost male engagement in HIV testing and counseling.

Conclusions:

• Understanding couple dynamics is crucial for male involvement in HIV services.
• Integrating couple-based approaches enhances prenatal HIV counseling effectiveness.
• Tailoring services to the conjugal context improves prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and primary HIV prevention.