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Prevalence and correlates of pregnancy self-testing among pregnant women attending antenatal care in western Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Nina Nganga
  • Julia Dettinger
  • John Kinuthia
  • Jared Baeten
  • Grace John-Stewart
  • Laurén Gómez
  • Mary Marwa
  • Ben Ochieng
  • Jillian Pintye
  • Kenneth Mugwanya
  • Melissa Mugambi

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa little is known about how often women use pregnancy self-tests or characteristics of these women despite evidence that pregnancy self-testing is associated with early antenatal care (ANC) initiation. Understanding the characteristics of women who use pregnancy self-tests can facilitate more targeted efforts to improve pregnancy testing experiences and entry into the ANC pathway. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women enrolling in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pregnancy self-testing among women in western Kenya. Overall, in our study population, 17% of women obtained a pregnancy self-test from a pharmacy. Pregnancy test use was higher among employed women, women with secondary and college-level educated partners, and women who spent 30 minutes or less traveling to the maternal and child health (MCH) clinic. The most reported reasons for non-use of pregnancy self-tests included not thinking it was necessary, lack of knowledge, and money to pay for the test. Future research should focus on understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward pregnancy self-testing as well as developing community-based models to improve access to pregnancy testing and ANC.

Suggested Citation

  • Nina Nganga & Julia Dettinger & John Kinuthia & Jared Baeten & Grace John-Stewart & Laurén Gómez & Mary Marwa & Ben Ochieng & Jillian Pintye & Kenneth Mugwanya & Melissa Mugambi, 2021. "Prevalence and correlates of pregnancy self-testing among pregnant women attending antenatal care in western Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(11), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0258578
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Magadi, Monica Akinyi & Madise, Nyovani Janet & Rodrigues, Roberto Nascimento, 2000. "Frequency and timing of antenatal care in Kenya: explaining the variations between women of different communities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 51(4), pages 551-561, August.
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