Ugandan men's attitudes toward their partner's participation in antenatal HIV testing

Several authors have shown that women's uptake of antenatal HIV testing is influenced by fear of their partners' reactions. We conducted a qualitative study with 40 Ugandan men to examine their attitudes toward their partners' participation in antenatal HIV testing. Most men believed women should consult their husbands prior to HIV testing to avoid negative consequences and facilitate disclosure. When women tested during routine antenatal care, however, the need to obtain permission was considered less important. These findings lend support to the practice of routine antenatal HIV testing as an acceptable way for women to test independently of their partners.