BELIEFS AFFECTING HIV TESTING IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Using the Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a framework, this study aimed to find out the beliefs, attitudes, and norms that differentiated pregnant women who would go for the HIV-antibody testing from those who would not. Two behavioural measures were used: (1) the consent to go for the test, and (2) eventually taking the test. Based on a sample of 106 participants, intention to go for the test was significantly correlated with general attitude, several specific attitudes and the entire subjective norm (general and belief-based). Comparing the behavioural measures, some similarities and differences were found between participants who agreed to go for the test and those who actually went for the test. Structural equation modeling found the TRA to be a valid model to be used in the local context. The models pointed in the direction that subjective norm played a more important role compared to attitude (general and specific), in predicting intention. However, accountability was low for intention and the two behaviours.