Psycho- social barriers to HIV and AIDS voluntary counselling and testing: A case study of expectant mothers at antenatal clinic in Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

HIV and AIDS VCT is an important strategy in managing HIV and AIDS pandemic worldwide. However, the probability that individuals will avail themselves of the opportunity for HIV test is low. The purpose of the study was therefore to examine the psycho-social barriers that expectant mothers face in accessing HIV and AIDS VCT. The research design was a case study. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used in the selection of forty participants. An interview schedule was designed to elicit information that focused on the four research questions that guided the study. Descriptive statistics was used in analyzing the data. The findings of the study were that the major sources of HIV and AIDS VCT information for expectant mothers were television and radio. Expectant mothers had positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS VCT. Many expectant mothers expressed the opinion that they did not trust the confidentiality of the health staff and that if they were diagnosed HIV positive they feared to
disclose the results to their husbands. Finally, the expectant mothers viewed that the face-toface health interactions would help to build trust, cordiality and confidence between themselves and the health service  providers. Such interactions would also encourage male partners to provide the much needed emotional support for their female partners who  are diagnosed HIVpositive. It was recommended that educational campaigns on HIV and AIDS VCT should be sustained by the government, health ministry and other stakeholders to help positively shape public attitude towards HIV and AIDS VCT.

Keywords: Psycho-social barriers, HIV /AIDS, Voluntary Counselling and Testing, Antenatal Clinic