Male Uptake of Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission of HIV.AIDS Programme in Zimbabwe: A Case of Primary Health Care Policy Impact in Makoni District

Abstract

Although the significant impact that male partners have on the health decisions and well-being of women have been well documented, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in many countries, including Zimbabwe, has largely been targeted exclusively at women. This study focused on male uptake of prevention of-mother-to-child-transmission of HIV program in Zimbabwe. A qualitative and quantitative study was conducted among lactating and pregnant women ,village and church leaders, MoHCC, ZNFPC, ZAN, ZNNP+ who are directly involved in PMTCT program at clinics,hospitals,management and administration of sexual and reproductive health issues in Makoni District. Male participation in PMTCT was examined under Pre-delivery; delivery and Post-delivery phases of women pregnancy. Structured interviews focus group discussions and self administered questionnaires were conducted among 110 participants, quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software package, emerging themes and sub-themes were then developed into concepts for correlation and triangulation purposes. The main findings show that respondents recognized the benefits associated with as well as showed positive attitudes towards male participation in the PMTCT programme; participants expressed the view that although most of their partners provided financial support during pregnancy, they were not involved in the PMTCT program; and they believed that partner involvement would be in the interest of their unborn children. Perceived obstacles to male partners’ involvement included socio-cultural factors, fear of knowing their HIV status and factors relating to health care systems, and among the demographic characteristics, age and level of education were positively associated with an increase in the level of involvement, while the duration of the relationship with the female partner was negatively associated with the level of men involvement. Suggested ways of encouraging male participation from respondents included sychronisation of government health policies with existing structures such as peer education, Village health workers and Home Based Care Givers, adjusting current labour practices (so that men could be permitted to attend clinics with their partners) and the use of peer educators for mobilizing male participation. The study concluded that the positive attitudes of women on male participation and the benefits it may hold, point towards the possible re-designing of the PMTCT program in Zimbabwe, where more male involvement would be encouraged as an integral part of this prevention strategy.