Swaziland (2013): Qualitative Study Exploring Factors Related to the Timely and Regular Uptake of ANC and PMTCT Services by Women in Swaziland.

A recent literature review of research conducted in Swaziland and in the region by Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication, a partner of PSI/Swaziland, reveals that several factors contribute to failure to take up early and frequent ANC and PMTCT services including: multiple and persistent forms of stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS; gender roles and relations; socioeconomic status of both women and men; social norms and beliefs, lack of community involvement, particularly for men; absence of accurate and adequate knowledge on PMTCT; and supply side issues such as lack of qualified personnel, inhospitable attitudes of service providers towards men accompanying women to ANC and PMTCT sites, and lack of trust and confidentiality. As a follow up to the literature review, Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication will implement this study in order to inform on gaps in knowledge related to ANC/PMTCT service uptake, and explore how timely and regular utilization of ANC/PMTCT services can be encouraged among women, especially with respect to the active involvement of men. This study was conducted as part of the formative audience research on factors relat ed to regular and timely uptake of ANC and PMTCT services and the role of men in a bid to produce mass media edutainment activities not for only Lusweti or PSI but partners working with HIV in the country. The study used a qualitative method to collect data from the general public (men and women), health care workers as well as females above 50 years old considered to be aunts/mother in-laws. The robustness of the thematic analysis combined with the researcher triangulation lends credibility to the research reported here.