Roles and Expectations of Male Partners from PMTCT services in Chiradzulu Malawi: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is the main measure for curbing HIV infection in children. Male involvement (MI) greatly influences uptake and adherence to PMTCT services yet the level remain low in Sub Saharan Africa. Lack of well stipulated roles for men in PMTCT is one of the main barriers to MI. Studies on MI have focused on women and Health care workers (HCW), thereby making men silent partners. The main aim of the study was to explore the roles and expectations of male partners in PMTCT services in Malawi. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study that involved men whose partners were either pregnant or breastfeeding a child, health care workers working in PMTCT services for over six months and traditional leaders. We conducted 9 in-depth interviews and 12 key informant interviews from January to March 2018. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data. Results: Male partners play supportive, HIV prevention behaviour change and decision-making roles in PMTCT services. Health assessment and health promotion activities are the male specific services required in PMTCT services and these should be delivered at both health facility and community levels. Conclusion: Male partners in PMTCT have expectations that need to be met at both health facility and community levels. There is need to have male-tailored package of health services that are directly provided to men along with PMTCT services at different levels in order to promote MI. The services should be provided in an atmosphere that allows and accepts male partners to exercise their roles in PMTCT services.