Predictors of Failure to Return for HIV Test Results Among Pregnant Women in Moshi, Tanzania

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Abstract
Identification of HIV-infected women is a prerequisite in HIV perinatal prevention programs. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of failure to return for HIV posttest results among pregnant women (N=2654) receiving antenatal care at primary health clinics in Moshi urban district, Tanzania. Consenting pregnant women, who were in the third trimester of pregnancy, received individual pretest counseling, followed by interview and screening for HIV. Posttest counseling and results were given after 1 week. A total of 182 (7%) failed to return for their HIV test results. Women were less likely to return for test results if their partners did not come for testing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 12.6; 95% CI, 3.1-51.4), if their partners consumed alcohol (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7), and if they had never discussed reproductive health matters with their partners (AOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7). Additionally, the site of recruitment, age, alcohol consumption, and advanced gestation age predicted failure to return for HIV test results. These results indicate that male partner factors were important in determining whether women returned for results. We therefore recommend promotion of antenatal couple counseling and strengthening of community awareness of the availability of perinatal interventions, with special efforts targeting men. Furthermore, the predictors for failure to collect test-results need to be addressed during pretest counseling.

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