Factors determining prenatal HIV testing for prevention of mother to child transmission in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
BACKGROUND
The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Temeke district, Tanzania and (ii) to identify factors for non-acceptance of HIV testing among pregnant mothers in the area.


METHODS
A structured questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews at five health centers in the district. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of the refusal of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing with risk factors.


RESULTS
Two hundred and seventy-three (68.1%) of the participants had already had HIV testing, while 128 (31.9%) had not. Participants' general knowledge of HIV was high, but specific knowledge of mother to child transmission (MTCT) was relatively low. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, frequencies of antenatal clinic visits, awareness of MTCT and intensive family support were significantly and inversely associated with the refusal of HIV testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Frequency of antenatal care visits, spreading information on HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome especially MTCT, and husbands' intensive support are significant factors for increase of HIV test acceptance among pregnant women in the study area.
Kominami
Mayumi
M
Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Kawata
Kimiko
K
Ali
Moazzam
M
Meena
Henry
H
Ushijima
Hiroshi
H
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D013636:Tanzania