Author/Authors :
Al-Jabri, A.A. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Youssef, R.M. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Oman , Hasson, S.S. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Balkhair, A.A. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital - Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Oman , Al-Belushi, M. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Al-Saadoon, M. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Child Health, Oman , Mathew, M. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oman , Al-Mahroqi, S. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Said, E. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Koh, C.Y. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman , Idris, M.A. Sultan Qaboos University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oman
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.
