Determinants of VCT Uptake among Pregnant Women Attending Two ANC clinics in Addis Ababa City: Unmatched Case Control Study

Abstract

Methods
A case control study was conducted from August 30, 2004 to November 30,2004 among pregnant women attending ANC services at Teklehaimanot Health center and Gandy memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa City. Cases were pregnant mothers who accepted VCT (n=200). Data was collected by counselor nurses working at the respective services. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS.
Results
Factors associated with VCT acceptance were women’s perception of coping with a positive result (OR 5.5 95% CI 3.5-8.5), perceived positive reaction of husband after sharing positive test result (OR 2.7 95% CI 1.4-5.1), perceived positive community response (OR 2.2 95% CI 1.2-3.5). Once adjusted for socio-demographic variables, client’s confidence on confidentiality of test results and perception on ability of coping with positive test.
Results were the most important predictors of VCT acceptance (MHOR= 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9 and MHOR=6.1 95% CI 3.6-10.5 respectively).
Conclusion
Women’s perception of coping with a positive result and confidentiality of test result were the two important factors that strongly associated VCT acceptance. Therefore, increasing acceptance of VCT for effective prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/ AIDS needs policy makers, health managers and service providers’ effort to ensure confidentiality of test results and building Clint’s confidence on confidentiality of the service. Counseling sessions should emphasize on building client’s perceived ability to cope with positive test results as well addressing the stigma and discrimination that erodes client’s confidence to cope with positive test result.