Predicting factors for the experience of HIV testing among women who have given birth in Cambodia.

Abstract

HIV testing and counselling is an entry point for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services, and it is important to determine predictors for HIV testing to improve the acceptance of HIV testing. The aim of this study was to assess predictive determinants for HIV testing asking mothers who had already given birth. Mothers who came to a childhood immunization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with a child (children) aged 6-24 months were randomly selected in January and February 2006. A cross-sectional survey with a semi-structured questionnaire including a question about the experience of HIV testing was conducted to the mothers at the clinic by trained interviewers. Of the 315 respondents, 193 mothers (61.3%) had ever been tested for HIV and 265 mothers (84.1%) showed the necessary of permission by partners before HIV testing. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, basic knowledge about HIV transmission [adjusted odd's ratio (aOR): 2.875, 95% CI: 1.668-4.956] as the best predictor, the number of children (aOR: 2.186, 95% CI: 1.241-3.852) and partner's education level (aOR: 1.950, 95% CI: 1.044-3.641) remained statistically significant, however the necessity of permission by partners did not (aOR: 1.691, 95% CI: = 0.859-3.328). Since some mothers ever tested might have obtained the permission with the perception of their partners before tested, it should be still highlighted that involvement of partners is an important strategy. Education on HIV transmission to young women and men through communication and health education strategies involving partners seems to lead PMTCT services to be more acceptable.