Description of Comprehensive PPTCT Counsellors’ Training: The Backbone of PPTCT Services in India

Solomon, Eileen; Visnegarwala, Fehmida; Philip, Philimol; Pappachen, Jisha Susan; Alexander, Glory

doi:10.1177/0972063412457522

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…The programme entails counselling and testing of pregnant women and prophylactic administration of a single dose of Nevirapine to HIV-positive pregnant women and their babies in order to prevent the perinatal transmission of HIV. The counselling component is the key to the success of this programme [4,15]. Counselling is aimed to provide the clients with information so as to enable them to make informed choices.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Counselling services in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Delhi, India: An assessment through a modified version of UNICEF-PPTCT tool

Kumar¹,

Singh²,

Kusuma³

2015

JEGH

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The study aims to assess the counselling services provided to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) under the Indian programme of prevention of parent-to-child transmission of HIV (PPTCT). Five hospitals in Delhi providing PMTCT services were randomly selected. A total of 201 post-test counselled women were interviewed using a modified version of the UNICEF-PPTCT evaluation tool. Knowledge about HIV transmission from mother-to-child was low. Post-test counselling mainly helped in increasing the knowledge of HIV transmission; yet 20%-30% of the clients missed this opportunity. Discussion on window period, other sexually transmitted diseases and danger signs of pregnancy were grossly neglected. The PMTCT services during the antenatal period are feasible and agreeable to be provided; however, certain aspects, like lack of privacy, confidentiality of HIV status of the client, counsellor's 'hurried' attitude, communication skills and discriminant behaviour towards HIV-positive clients, and disinterest of clients in the counselling, remain as gaps. These issues may be addressed through refresher training to counsellors with an emphasis on social and behaviour change communication strategies. Addressing attitudinal aspects of the counsellors towards HIV positives is crucial to improve the quality of the services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Counselling services in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Delhi, India: An assessment through a modified version of UNICEF-PPTCT tool

Kumar¹,

Singh²,

Kusuma³

2015

JEGH

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Quality and effectiveness of counselling at antiretroviral therapy centres in India: capturing counsellor and beneficiary perspectives

Agarwal

Rewari

Allam

et al. 2019

International Health

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Background Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of counselling is imperative for enabling people living with HIV to cope with treatment adherence. Countrywide assessment of antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres was undertaken to assess the quality and effectiveness of counselling. The insights gained from the assessment are expected to build an improved understanding of the counselling aspect and contribute to informing decisions strengthening the counselling provided at ART centres. Methods Assessment of counselling at 357 ART centres entailed interviews with counsellors and beneficiaries using a structured questionnaire administered by trained technical experts. Two counsellors and five beneficiaries at each ART centre were interviewed to assess both the quality and effectiveness of counselling. Beneficiaries were selected from different risk groups to understand their varied concerns and experiences. Results During the assessment, 618 counsellors were interviewed (45% women); also, 1785 beneficiaries were interviewed, consisting of 892 (49.9%) men, 857 (48.1%) women and 36 (2.0%) transgender. Counsellors were found to be relatively well informed on topics pertaining to pre-ART, ART preparedness and positive healthy living, and the psychosocial support extended to patients. Counsellors surveyed were not aware of critical areas such as counselling of pregnant women (44.5%) , drug adherence (44.8%) and the use of information, education and communication material during counselling, and pill count. The majority of beneficiaries reported being informed on issues pertaining to retention; however, 30–40% of beneficiaries were not informed regarding the critical elements of adherence such as counselling on ART side effects (68.5%), pill count (62.8%) and information on access to social benefit schemes (25.7%). Factors such as client volume, the training of the counsellors and adequate space for counselling affected the quality of counselling. Conclusion With concerted efforts in bridging the gaps in knowledge, infrastructure and information needs, India’s national AIDS control programme (NACP) can enhance the counselling services at ART centres and improve the quality of services for patient retention.

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Description of Comprehensive PPTCT Counsellors’ Training: The Backbone of PPTCT Services in India

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Counselling services in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Delhi, India: An assessment through a modified version of UNICEF-PPTCT tool

Counselling services in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Delhi, India: An assessment through a modified version of UNICEF-PPTCT tool

Quality and effectiveness of counselling at antiretroviral therapy centres in India: capturing counsellor and beneficiary perspectives

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