Women’s perception on HIV/AIDS testing during pregnancy a case of Mopani District in Nkowankowa Tzaneen South Africa

Abstract

This study focused on perceptions and experiences of HIV counseling and testing. The pregnant women’s perceptions and experiences were assessed in order to gain insight into their views towards voluntary antenatal counseling and testing. A purposive random sampling was used to collect data from the participants. The study sample comprised of 50 participants who were pregnant, 20 Participants from the community and 10 from the health personnel all in all made a sample population of 80 participants.  Despite the recognition of the benefits of VCT, it was evident that women were reluctant to use the VCT service because of reasons that include fear of being stigmatized, abandoned and discriminated against. The women are often blamed for spreading the disease in the family. Due to stigma and discrimination women were afraid to disclose their status in order to avoid rejections by their partners, family and society, ignorance about the service as well as reluctance to be tested. Participants appreciated some aspects of VCT rendered, but suggested improvement in areas they felt were lacking. Areas of concern included partner involvement, community education, improving confidentiality and extension of services to the rural places / clinics. The study makes number recommendations, among others improved partner communication on the issues of HIV/AIDS.

Key words: HIV, AIDs, perception. pregnancy, testing, women.