Are women ready to do HIV test?
Campbell-Stennett, D.; Holder-Nevins, D.; McCaw-Binns, A.; Eldemire-Shearer, D.
West Indian Medical Journal 58(6): 575-579
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3144 PMID: 20583686 Document Number: 220477
To identify the factors that influence the stage of change with regards to HIV testing in women (16- 45-years-old) in Westmoreland using the trans-theoretical model (TTM) of behaviour change. A structured interview-assisted questionnaire was administered to 372 pregnant and non-pregnant respondents in urban and rural areas of Westmoreland after random selection of four public health facilities. The trans-theoretical model which suggests that behaviour change process moves through five stages from pre-contemplation to maintenance was used to evaluate readiness for HIV testing. Most pregnant women who tested previously were at the preparation stage (78.5%) while non-pregnant women who tested previously were at contemplation (68.5%). The significant predictors of being in the action or maintenance stage among pregnant women was being 20- 24-years-old, experiencing a first pregnancy and being exposed to counselling. For women who had never tested, preparation was significantly associated with being in an unstable union (non-pregnant). No significant association was found for non-pregnant, previously tested females or for pregnant women who had never tested. The majority of women lacked self-efficacy as they were unable to maintain the behaviour and did not recognize its importance in the absence of pregnancy. Interventions are needed to target non-pregnant women, especially teenagers, women over 25-years old and women in unions. Integration of testing services into all aspects of primary healthcare, established testing protocols and simultaneous marketing to selected at-risk groups will increase the uptake of HIV testing opportunities and contribute to the control of this epidemic.