Using a Social Support Framework to Understand How HIV Positive Kenyan Men Engage in PMTCT/EID Care: Qualitative Insights From Male Partners.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2020
Identifier
DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02451-6; PMCID: PMC6745277
Abstract
Greater male partner involvement in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) is associated with improved outcomes. Perceived low social support for the mother can negatively impact the uptake of PMTCT/EID services. Most research relies on women's reports of the types and quality of male partner support received versus what is desired. This qualitative study examines Kenyan male partners' reported social support provision pre- and post-partum from their own perspective. The study was embedded within intervention development studies in Kenya designed to develop and pilot a PMTCT module of a web based system to improve EID. Focus groups were conducted with male partners of pregnant women with HIV and elicited feedback on male partner involvement in maternal and child care and factors affecting participation. Interviews were analyzed within a theoretical social support framework. Participants described providing tangible support (financial resources), informational support (appointment reminders) and emotional support (stress alleviation in the face of HIV-related adversity). African conceptualizations of masculinity and gender norms influenced the types of support provided. Challenges included economic hardship; insufficient social support from providers, peers and bosses; and HIV stigma. Collaboration among providers, mothers and partners; a community-based social support system; and recasting notions of traditional masculinity were identified as ways to foster male partner support.
Journal Title
AIDS and behavior
Volume
24
Issue
1
First Page
18
Last Page
28
MeSH Keywords
Adult; Counseling; Early Diagnosis; Female; Focus Groups; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Kenya; Male; Mothers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnant Women; Qualitative Research; Sexual Partners; Social Stigma; Social Support
Keywords
EID; Kenya; Male engagement; Masculinity; PMTCT; Social support
Recommended Citation
Mabachi NM, Brown M, Sandbulte M, et al. Using a Social Support Framework to Understand How HIV Positive Kenyan Men Engage in PMTCT/EID Care: Qualitative Insights From Male Partners. AIDS Behav. 2020;24(1):18-28. doi:10.1007/s10461-019-02451-6
COinS
Comments
Grant support