RRJ Akarro, M Deonisia, FJ Sichona
Male involvement in the programme on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS is investigated in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam region in Tanzania. Knowledge, attitude, communication behaviors among partners, awareness, and how they affect the uptake of the PMTCT services are among the factors considered. A sample of 192 study units was used. Structured, administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used as data collection instruments. Questions relating to uptake of PMTCT and associated factors such as outlined in the introduction were asked. Data were analyzed by using SPSS Chi-Square test and logistic regression modules were used in the analysis. Significant relationships between knowledge/attitudes and follow up to the uptake of PMTCT services were observed. The study revealed that communication barriers between pregnant women and their husband/partners are the limiting factors of follow up to uptake and utilization of PMTCT services. Logistic Regression Analysis shows that all the limiting factors of knowledge, attitude, and communication behaviors among partners have had a greater chance of influencing a follow up to the uptake of PMTCT services. HIV/AIDS education aimed at increasing knowledge and PMTCT awareness among clients/partners within the community is still low. Stigmatization is singled out as a matter to be addressed. PMTCT utilization acceptance requires a change of cultural attitude in the community.
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