HIV and Syphilis Testing in Pregnant Women and Their Partners in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Kizito Dennison, Woodburn Patrick W, Kesande Beleth, Ameke Christine, Nabulime Juliet, Muwanga Moses, Grosskurth Heiner, Elliott Alison M
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI)
Hypothesis
What is the uptake of HIV and syphilis testing among pregnant women and their male partners in a prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programme in Uganda?
Conclusion
Testing for HIV and syphilis was high among pregnant women but very low among their male partners, indicating a need for more couple-friendly clinics.
Supporting Evidence
- 62.8% of women accepted HIV testing, but only 1.8% of their male partners did.
- 82.2% of women accepted syphilis testing, while only 1.1% of their male partners did.
- 19 out of 200 couples tested were HIV-discordant, indicating a high level of discordance.
Takeaway
Most pregnant women at the clinic got tested for HIV and syphilis, but very few of their male partners did, which is a problem.
Methodology
Data analysis from routine HIV and syphilis testing at Entebbe Hospital antenatal services.
Potential Biases
Counseling bias may have influenced the higher attendance of male partners of HIV-positive women.
Limitations
The study did not systematically explore reasons for low male partner testing and may not be representative of all couples.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women and their male partners attending antenatal services at Entebbe Hospital.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Confidence Interval
95% CI 12.1–13.2% for women; 7.1–15.5% for men
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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