Acceptability of voluntary HIV testing by pregnant women in developing countries: an international survey

Objective: To evaluate acceptability of voluntary HIV counselling and testi ng (VCT) by pregnant women in the context of clinical trials assessing inte rventions to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MCT) of HIV in developing countries. Methods: During September-October 1997, 13 studies located in West (Abidjan , Bobo Dioulasso), East (Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar Es Salaam, Blantyre, Lusaka, Harare) and South Africa (Soweto, Durban), and Thailand (Bangkok) were inc luded in a cross-sectional mailing survey about the acceptability of VCT in antenatal clinics. Acceptance rate, return rate, overall acceptability of VCT (acceptance of both pre- and post-VCT sessions) were obtained using a s tandardized questionnaire. Results: The median overall acceptability of VCT was 69% (range, 33-95%). O verall acceptability of VCT most frequently depended on return rates becaus e acceptance rates were generally high. Where several studies were conducte d in parallel in the same city or the same country, overall acceptability r ates of HIV testing were generally comparable even if the intervention prog rammes differed. Overall acceptability rates of VCT were high in antenatal clinics where a particular effort in implementing VCT programmes had been m ade. Conclusions: This international survey shows that despite many obstacles, V CT is feasible and acceptable for pregnant women aiming to reduce their ris k of transmitting HIV to their children. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.