Table 2.

Suggestions for improving counselling during PITC

	Information	Motivation	Behavioural Skills	Structural/Community-level/Other
Suggestions for improving counselling during PITC	General information on HIV prevention during PITC “Sensitizing them [on] how people get HIV [and] how to protect themselves from getting HIV [and] the sexually transmitted diseases” (39 year old male). Information on the availability of ARVs Information on the potential to live a healthy life on ARV treatment	Targeting men in counselling sessions More effective because men have greater decision making power in relationships (staff) Include men who accompany women to the clinic and tailor content to men (staff) “They [the counsellors] should help us have our husbands tested for HIV” (28 year old married female).	Skills to cope with a positive test result Skills to improve partner communication	PITC protocol/structural suggestions Access to female condoms Male condom distribution Separate, private space for PITC and ARV distribution PITC counselling suggestions Support for client-centered approach (staff) “You need it to come from themselves; let them plan and they will own the whole process” (female counsellor). Option for couples PITC Counsellor training needs Confidentiality A non-judgmental approach Initiating conversations about sex Support for peer educators (staff) Reduce staff burden Relate well to patients