Developing an index on male partner involvement for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Measuring male partner involvement (MPI) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV remains a challenge as there is no universal instrument to measure this concept. The study underpinned by the Gender and Development theory (GAD), utilised a mixed method design aimed at developing the first index for measuring MPI in PMTCT in Zimbabwe. Eight focus group discussions with men and women from diverse community groups were conducted. In addition, seven key informant interviews were conducted with managers from institutions providing PMTCT services. A ten-item tool was administered to a separate 331 respondents. Using factor analysis, seven items were extracted from a list of ten binary questions which described various activities linked to MPI in PMTCT programmes. The index, which is seen as a work in progress has strength in its inclusion of items that addressed antenatal and postnatal activities, which are crucial for the prevention of paediatric HIV.