Knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviours towards HIV testing and self-protection: a survey of Omani pregnant women

Abstract

Routine HIV testing of all pregnant women in Oman has been introduced without prior knowledge of women's attitudes towards testing or their behaviour in the event of a positive test. This study recruited 1000 Omani pregnant women from antenatal clinics to explore their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards HIV testing and intended behaviours in the event of a positive test. Mother-to-child transmission was recognized by 86.6% of the women but only 21.0% knew that it was preventable and a few acknowledged the important role of antiviral drugs. Half of the women (51.9%) reported having been tested for HIV and 75.8% agreed about routine HIV testing for all pregnant women. A higher level of knowledge was significantly associated with a favourable intended behaviour related to voluntary testing, disclosure and seeking professional assistance in the event of a positive HIV test. The results are discussed in relation to opt-in and opt-out approaches to voluntary testing during pregnancy. ‫ن‬

HIV Testing Among Heterosexual Hispanic Women in South Florida

“…Most women in this study believed that a positive result would encourage them to seek medical advice as the next step. This finding is consistent with studies conducted among Arabic women (Al‐Jabri et al., ). On the other hand, a negative result would lead them to assume their partners are negative and thus do not need to be tested.…”

Acceptability and feasibility of screening pregnant women for sexually transmitted infections in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

“…Pregnant women in Turkey similarly believed HIV testing should be mandated. 15,16 The attitudes of pregnant women in our study mirror those from other Muslim-majority countries. In conclusion, the model of STI testing we implemented at Holy Family Hospital may be implemented in similar facilities in Pakistan.…”

“…Research from countries in the Middle East, which like Pakistan have a Muslim majority with overlapping sociocultural norms, suggests STI testing during antenatal care is feasible and well-received by women. 15,16 Surveys of pregnant women undergoing HIV testing in Oman suggest those women support routine HIV testing in pregnant women. Pregnant women in Turkey similarly believed HIV testing should be mandated.…”