HIV Counseling and Testing Among Antenatal Clients in the Tropics

This book on HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is an important resource for HIV prevention and care. The knowledge and acceptance of serostatus can facilitate behavioural change; enable access to strategies to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV, enable early access to care for HIV-related conditions; and help in making informed decisions about future pregnancies. This study was designed to find out the factors influencing uptake of Human Immuno-deficiency (HIV) counselling and testing (HCT) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sabon-Gari Comprehensive Health Centre, Zaria, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey was done. The fear of stigmatization is a factor militating against uptake of HCT. To improve the uptake of HCT services more innovative ethical and practical models of delivery should be developed and adopted. Improved awareness and education will reduce stigmatization of PLWHAS. This book is a must-read for all public health practitioners and maternal health care providers interested in working in Africa and in the tropics. It is also recommended for medical students and nurses who are seeking to broaden their knowledge on HCT.