Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 16

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 16.1 (tests Learning Outcome 16.1)

A woman has sexual intercourse with a man who is HIV-positive. She is tested for HIV infection two weeks after this sexual intercourse. Her HIV test is negative.

  • a.Should you trust this result? Give reasons for your answer.
  • b.What should you do next?

Answer

  • a.No, you should not trust the result. The woman could be in the window period of HIV infection, so the HIV test may give a negative result even if she was infected with HIV from this sexual intercourse.
  • b.Counsel the woman to come for testing again after the end of the window period, which lasts around 12 weeks, and to use safer sex practices to ensure that she does not pass on HIV if she has become infected.

SAQ 16.2 (tests Learning Outcome 16.2)

Many factors increase the risk of MTCT during the antenatal period. What do these factors have in common? Give two examples.

Answer

Two factors are smoking, and injury to the abdomen, for example from a sharp instrument. (Note: You may have chosen other factors from those listed in Box 16.1.) What these factors have in common is that they may damage the barrier between the maternal and fetal blood supply in the placenta, allowing the blood from mother and fetus to mix. This increases the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV.

SAQ 16.3 (tests Learning Outcome 16.3)

A pregnant woman refuses an HIV test. Is there any more you can do?

Answer

If a pregnant woman refuses an HIV test, you can:

  1. Find out why she has refused — does she have any specific reasons for refusal? Address any specific questions and concerns she may have. Document this discussion. Build trust and deal with her concerns sensitively, for example about the impact on her family, fear of stigma and discrimination.
  2. Reassure her that the refusal to be tested will not affect her access to antenatal care, labour and delivery care, postnatal care, or related services.
  3. Provide pre-test counselling again in future antenatal visits.

SAQ 16.4 (tests Learning Outcome 16.4)

What are the main advantages of using the opt-out approach rather than the opt-in approach to HIV testing?

Answer

First, many more pregnant women are likely to accept HIV testing if the opt-out approach is adopted. Second, as more women are tested, the HIV test will come to be seen as more normal and acceptable as a routine part of antenatal care. Third, it is less time-consuming for health workers, as it does not involve a long pre-test counselling session with each woman.

Summary of Study Session 16