title: Improving PMTCT uptake in rural South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the widespread availability of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs, many women in sub-Saharan Africa do not participate in PMTCT. This pilot study aimed to utilize partner participation in an intervention to support PMTCT uptake.
  
  
  METHODS
  Couples (n ¼ 239) were randomized to receive either a comprehensive couples-based PMTCT intervention or the standard of care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the standard of care, participants receiving the intervention increased HIV- and PMTCT-related knowledge (F1,474 ¼ 13.94, p ¼ .004) and uptake of PMTCT, as defined by infant medication dosing (74% vs. 46%, w2 ¼ 4.69, p ¼ .03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that increasing male attendance at antenatal clinic visits maybe "necessary but not sufficient" to increase PMTCT uptake. Increasing HIV knowledge of both partners and encouraging active male participation in the PMTCT process through psychoeducational interventions may be a strategy to increase the uptake of PMTCT in South Africa.
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peltzer
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Villar-Loubet
authors.forename: Molatelo E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Shikwane
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012424:Rural Population
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents