[WePeB5931] Impact of counseling on women participating in the Thai prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain — July 7-12, 2002

[TITLE:] Impact of counseling on women participating in the Thai prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program

[AUTHOR(S):] S. Kanshana, P. Amornwichet, N. Kullerk, S. Natamanop, S. Rakseri, S. Kusonjariya¹, R. Baggaelay², Y. Lo³

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12;14:Abstract No. WePeB5931

BACKGROUND: A survey in the Thai PMTCT program after 1 year of implementation evaluated the effectiveness and impact of counselling on participating women, assessing the acceptance, satisfaction, understanding of the PMTCT program and the concerns and needs of antenatal women. Methodology: From June to July 2000, the evaluation was conducted in 14 provinces in central and north-east Thailand. HIV negative and positive women who delivered in partipitating hospitals were interviewed following VCT and during the 12 month after delivery.

RESULTS: 75 HIV negative and 54 HIV positive mothers were interviewed following post-test counselling. 80% of HIV negative and 91% positive women had learned about their HIV status during their pregnancy. 87% HIV negative and 96% positive women said they received adequate information. Only 7% HIV negative and 2% positive women were not satisfied with their counsellor. 88% of HIV negative and 68% of positive women had at the time of interview already discussed HIV testing with their partners. 42% of HIV negative and 39% of positive women's partners had already been HIV-tested. The majority of HIV negative women breastfed or mixed-fed compared with only 2% of HIV positive women. The most commonly reported problems for HIV positive women were financial difficulties (63%), health problems (24%). 2% said they had tried to hurt or kill themselves and 17% have thought about hurting themselves.

Conclusion: HIV negative and positive mothers were satisfied with information given and counselor interaction. Disclosure and partner testing was high compared to other countries. Access to economic support and health care for HIV positive women would be a beneficial addition to the PMTCT program. Specific training for counselors on recognizing and preventing suicide and self-harm following VCT and ongoing psychosocial support for HIV positive women should be provided if needed.

Presenting author: Siripon Kanshana

1Ministry of Public Health, Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

2WHO, London, United Kingdom.

3WHO, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

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