Acceptance of HIV Couple Counseling and Transmission Outcomes Among Pregnant Women and Their Partners.

BackgroundHIV couple counseling (HIVCC) acceptance during antenatal care and associated transmission outcomes have not been evaluated.MethodsA prospective study was conducted among pregnant women and their partners.ResultsOf the 139 participating couples, most (>90%) had good knowledge about HIV transmission prevention, 5% and 4% of pregnant women and their partners were categorized as moderate or high risk for HIV acquisition. These moderate or high-risk groups had a false perception of low HIV risk. The HIVCC acceptance rate was 85%. Independent factors associated with no HIVCC acceptance in pregnant women included lower HIV knowledge score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR 2.56; P = .003]), self-payment for medical expense (aOR 9.81; P = .008), and non-Thai nationality (aOR 3.60; P = .018). There was no HIV or syphilis acquisition among all pregnant women during pregnancy.ConclusionsThe interventions to improve HIVCC acceptance should include providing HIV education, coverage for medical expenses, and financial assistance for non-Thai couples.