Appraisal of HIV Counseling and Testing Services Provided for Pregnant Women in Selected Government Hospitals in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is a critical gateway to treatment, care, and support services. For pregnant women, it is to access prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) services. However, not much has been done to appraise this service from the perspective of the recipients in Nigeria. This study documents the appraisal of the HCT services received at the antenatal care (ANC) services in three government hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria, from the perspectives of pregnant women. Data were collected using focus group discussion guide among purposively selected 40 (21 primigravida and 19 multigravida) pregnant women. Observation and inventory checklists were used to collect data on procedures and basic requirements of HCT. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Participants were neither counseled nor given opportunity to voluntarily participate in HCT services as it was made compulsory before accessing ANC. Test results were reportedly handed over directly to participants without post-test counseling. Observation of HCT procedure showed that guidelines for counseling were not strictly adhered to. Inventory of facilities, staff, and materials revealed inadequate staffing, lack of a dedicated counseling room, and inadequate antiretroviral drugs and test kits. The HCT services as provided for pregnant women are fraught with procedural inadequacies. Training and supervision of health care workers as well as provision of resources are needed to address the situation.