Abstract:
Back ground: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues to take a heavy toll
on women and children worldwide. In 2009, 33.4 million individuals were living with HIV, of
whom 15.7 million were women and 2.1 million were children under 15 years of age. Globally,
since nearly all HIV infections in children are acquired from their mothers, the global epidemiology of HIV in children reflects that of HIV in women.
Objective: To assesses uptake of HIV counseling and testing among pregnant women who attend antenatal care at five Defense referral hospitals, 2012, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured and pre-tested intervieweradministered questionnaire, among 422 pregnant women who are attending at five Defense command referral hospitals and In-depth interview was conducted among counselors (N=5) from
March 21 to April 20, 2012. The survey questionnaire was administered by counselors of Prevention of mother to child transmission service who are in charge at time of interview. Data analysis
was made by using SPSS version 19.0-computer database and Cross tabulations was used to calculate, p-values and X2, following this multi-variate analysis using the logistic regression model
was made by the specific objectives. Ethical approval and clearance was obtained from collage of
public Health and medical science of Jimma University, Defense Health General Directorate and
Full informed consent from all participants. The result will be disseminated to Jimma University,
Defense force Health Main directorate.
Result: Out of 422 pregnant women 403(96%) had heard of HIV transmission. Of these 354
(88.8%) were undergone counseling and testing. Regarding waiting time, less than or equal to 39
minute at clinic were 2.5 times more likely to be tested than those who were waiting more than 39 minute
[AOR (95%CI) =2.56(1.40-4.67). Self-perceived to get HIV were 2.3 times more likely to be
tested than those who are not self-perceived to get HIV [AOR (95%CI) =2.37(1.26-4.44
Conclusion and Recommendations: Uptake of counseling and testing among pregnant women
at National defense referral hospitals is high. There are factors that affect pregnant women’s to be
counseling and testing as per national target. Of these long waiting times in the health facility,
less time contact with health care provider. Perceive risk of getting HIV were important predictor.
Defense health main directorate, should undertake further study and work place intervention regarding awareness creation.
