Poor communication between health workers and HIV positive pregnant women in Africa may increase the risk of mother to child transmission of the virus. Painter and colleagues (p 543) interviewed 27 HIV positive women in Côte d'Ivoire who refused prophylaxis, and found that dissatisfaction with the delivery of HIV tests and results, fears of stigma, lack of faith in treatment and in test results, or personal reasons were the most common barriers to treatment. A better understanding of women's needs and concerns may improve uptake of prevention, say the authors.
Figure 1.
Credit: GISELE WULFSOHN/PANOS