Factors influencing repeat HIV testing among mothers in perinatal clinics of rural and urban settings in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Background : Over one million children are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), predominantly acquired from their mothers during the perinatal period. Most infections are in the developing world with over 90% of children with HIV being in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine factors associated with low repeat HIV testing among mothers going to perinatal clinics. We looked into individual, provider and facility factors associated with repeat HIV testing.

Methods : The study adopted a facility-based cross-sectional survey and a convergent mixed method. The study population were Women of Reproductive Age living in Kisumu County. Simple random sampling was used for quantitative analysis and an open-ended interview guide for qualitative analysis.

Results : Out of the 407 respondents, 82 (20.15%) had received the full course of repeat HIV tests up to the postnatal visit. Repeat testing was significantly associated with; Level of education (AOR=4.32,95%CI=1.57–11.87), marital status (AOR=10.51,95%CI=1.70–6.87), accompaniment by spouse (AOR=2.33, 95%CI=1.31 – 4.17), privacy of the counselling rooms AOR=5.10, 95%CI=0.32– 0.80) and waiting time before receiving clinic services AOR=0.31,95%CI=0.14– 0.68) and design of the book from IDI.

Conclusions and Recommendations : Low levels of repeat HIV testing were observed among mothers attending perinatal clinics within Kisumu County. low education level, long waiting times, privacy of the rooms and design of the mother and child booklet were associated with it. Mothers and health workers are to be educated on the benefits of repeat HIV testing during ANC and post-natal clinics.