Antenatal HIV screening in South West Nigeria: the client's perspective.

This study was carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria with the aim of assessing pregnant clients' opinions on the issue of antenatal HIV screening which is at present very controversial in Nigeria. Five hundred and eighty-six clients were interviewed at the antenatal clinic using a close-ended questionnaire. Three hundred and eighty-five (67.8%) of the clients were found to have a good knowledge of HIV infection and were therefore included in the study sample. Of the clients, 75.1% and 61.5% accepted voluntary and mandatory screening, respectively. Respondent's reasons for accepting screening include prevention of transmission of infection to baby, husband and hospital staff, while reasons for objection to antenatal screening included financial implications, stigmatisation, fear of the outcome of the test and the right to choose. Four hundred and seventy-two (80.6%) and 389 (66.4%) patients will continue the pregnancy and not disclose the result if found positive at screening, respectively, while 11 (1.9%) expressed the view that they might contemplate suicide. Based on these findings, obstetricians in this locality are encouraged to modify the scope of antenatal care by gradually incorporating HIV screening as part of standard and screening procedure at booking or at the first visit.