Resource type
Date created
2015
Authors/Contributors
Author: Kilembe, William
Author: Wall, Kristin M.
Author: Mokgoro, Mammekwa
Author: Mwaanga, Annie
Author: Dissen, Elisabeth
Author: Kamusoko, Miriam
Author: Phiri, Hilda
Author: Sakulanda, Jean
Author: Davitte, Jonathan
Author: Reddy, Tarylee
Author: Brockman, Mark
Author: Ndung’u, Thumbi
Author: Allen, Susan
Abstract
ObjectiveCouples’ voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) significantly decreases HIV transmission within couples, the largest risk group in sub-Saharan Africa, but it is not currently offered in most HIV testing facilities. To roll out such an intervention, understanding locale-specific knowledge barriers is critical. In this study, we measured knowledge of HIV serodiscordance, transmission, and prevention before and after receipt of CVCT services in Durban.DesignPre- and post-CVCT knowledge surveys were administered to a selection of individuals seeking CVCT services.MethodsChanges in knowledge scores were assessed with McNemar Chi-square tests for balanced data and generalized estimating equation methods for unbalanced data.ResultsThe survey included 317 heterosexual black couples (634 individuals) who were primarily Zulu (87%), unemployed (47%), and had at least a secondary level education (78%). 28% of couples proved to be discordant. Only 30% of individuals thought serodiscordance between couples was possible pre‐CVCT compared to 95% post-CVCT. One-third thought there was at least one benefit of CVCT pre‐CVCT, increasing to 96% post‐CVCT. Overall, there were positive changes in knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. However, many respondents thought all HIV positive mothers give birth to babies with AIDS (64% pre-CVCT, 59% post-CVCT) and that male circumcision does not protect negative men against HIV (70% pre-CVCT, 67% post-CVCT).ConclusionsCVCT was well received and was followed by improvements in understanding of discordance, the benefits of joint testing, and HIV transmission. Country-level health messaging would benefit from targeting gaps in knowledge about serodiscordance, vertical transmission, and male circumcision.
Document
Published as
Kilembe W, Wall KM, Mokgoro M, Mwaanga A, Dissen E, Kamusoko M, et al. (2015) Knowledge of HIV Serodiscordance, Transmission, and Prevention among Couples in Durban, South Africa. PLoS ONE 10(4): e0124548. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124548
Publication details
Publication title
PLoS ONE
Document title
Knowledge of HIV Serodiscordance, Transmission, and Prevention among Couples in Durban, South Africa
Date
2015
Volume
10
Issue
4
Publisher DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0124548
Rights (standard)
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Scholarly level
Peer reviewed?
Yes
Funder
Language
English
Member of collection
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