A qualitative study of partner engagement in HIV testing in Malawi and Kenya

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15098268
AutoresTina Lavender (0000-0003-1473-4956, University of Manchester, autor correspondente), Sabina Wakasiaka (0000-0002-4417-7786, University of Nairobi), Angela Chimwaza (0009-0001-6526-1434, University of Malawi), R J Wood (0000-0001-6498-7877, University of Leeds), Rebecca Wood (0000-0001-8160-6212, University of Leeds), Grace Omoni (0000-0002-2893-1603, University of Nairobi), Raheli Mukhwana (Kenyatta National Hospital), Linda Mcgowan (0000-0001-9766-2833, University of Leeds), Eveles Chimala (University of Malawi), Jerusa Omari (Maternity Department, Kissi Training and Referral Hospital, Kissi, Kenya), Leroy Edozien (Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK), Leroy C Edozien (0000-0002-1815-7300, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre)
Ano2019
Volume21
Fascículo10
Páginas1131-1145
Data de publicação2019-10-03
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2018.1542509
PMID30624135
OpenAlexW2909888741
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas26

In low-income settings, partner engagement in HIV testing during pregnancy is well recognised, but uptake remains low. To understand why men fail to engage, 76 in-depth, individual interviews were conducted with women (n = 23), men (n = 36) and community stakeholders (n = 17) in Malawi and Kenya. Transcribed data were analysed thematically. Male engagement was verbally supported. However, definitions of ‘engagement’ varied; women wanted a shared experience, whereas men wanted to offer practical and financial support. Women and stakeholders supported couples-testing, but some men thought separate testing was preferable. Barriers to couples-testing were strongly linked to barriers to antenatal engagement, with some direct fear of HIV-testing itself. The major themes identified included diverse definitions of male engagement, cultural norms, poor communication and environmental discomfort – all of which were underpinned by hegemonic masculinity. Couples-testing will only increase when strategies to improve reproductive health care are implemented and men’s health is given proper consideration within the process. As social norms constitute a barrier, community-based interventions are likely to be most effective. A multi-pronged approach could include advocacy through social media and community forums, the provision of tailored information, the presence of positive role models and a welcoming environment

Community engagement · Environmental health · Masculinity · Political science · Population · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender Studies · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Social Psychology