Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training Traditional Birth Attendants in Enhancing the Uptake of Routine HIV Testing Among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities of Bayelsa State

Efere; Y.S.PhD; Prof. TobinWest; C.I.; Prof. Ordinioha; B.; Narugayam C. I.; PhD; Otuku I.E.

doi:10.56201/ijmepr.v9.no7.2025.pg112.122

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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training Traditional Birth Attendants in Enhancing the Uptake of Routine HIV Testing Among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities of Bayelsa State

Efere, Y.S.PhD, Prof. TobinWest, C.I., Prof. Ordinioha, B., Narugayam C. I., PhD and, Otuku I.E.

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus remains a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries , especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies show many pediatric HIV infections result from mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. This study has investigated the effectiveness of training traditional birth attendants in enhancing the uptake of routine HIV testing among pregnant women in rural communities of Bayelsa State, with a view of establishing that TBAs can significantly contribute to promoting and facilitating HIV testing and referrals among pregnant women in rural Nigeria. Materials and Method: The study method will be quasi-experimental method. This design allows for the observation of real-world effectiveness while acknowledging potential pre-existing differences between groups. The study population consist of 120 TBAs that were sampled across all the LGAs in Bayelsa State. The TBAs (n=120), were divided into two subgroups; an intervention group (n=70) and a control group (n=50), without random assignment of individual participants. The intervention group received training and support to enhance their capacity in delivering HIV education, encouraging counseling and testing for HIV, and facilitating referrals to nearby healthcare centres or facilities. The control group continued their usual practices without additional training or support. The data collected were analysed using with both inferential and descriptive statistics, part DiD regression model. Results: The findings have provided compelling and substantial evidence on the potential and effectiveness of training TBAs in enhancing access to routine HIV testing for pregnant women in rural communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The results revealed that with the properly trained, educated and supported, TBAs can significantly increase the number of pregnant women being tested for HIV, as well as foster more community acceptance and trust. The intervention

Keywords

Bayelsa StateHuman Immunodeficiency VirusPregnant WomenRoutine TestingTraditional Birth Attendants (TBA

References

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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Training Traditional Birth Attendants in Enhancing the Uptake of Routine HIV Testing Among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities of Bayelsa State

Abstract

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