Table 3 Main categories and sub- categories. Antenatal clinic attendees

Antenatal attendees felt that the HIV test was voluntary

Made prior decision

Exercising their autonomy to decline the test.

“No there was no force, I decided on my own to go for a test” [3]

“I don’t want to lie, I like to go for the HIV test often, even if I am not pregnant” [11]

I would agree because of the advantages for me and the unborn child [17].

Antenatal attendees felt no pressure to undergo a test

Absence of compulsions

Absence of constraints and coercion

I did not even ask myself because I wanted it done [9]

I was just ready for anything [25]

I can say it has its advantage because you get a healthy child [17]

I wanted to know my status [6]

Antenatal attendees experienced worry during the process of counseling

Fear of positive results

Adverse effects of partners’ extra marital affairs

I was scared, I was so afraid [14]

I am ready but I was worried about my husband [7]

I was worried because I had not taken the HIV test for about 6 months [12]

Voluntariness was influenced by a number of factors

Accessibility to PMTCT services

Knowledge about HIV

Affairs with highly susceptible HIV positive individuals

Having a partner who is unfaithful

I am eager to know my status [6]

When pregnant I think it is important to check your health status [5]

In order to get a healthy baby it is a must to agree to test [12]

Antenatal attendees were already informed about testing prior to their first clinic visit

HIV test was not unexpected

I expected to take some tests including the HIV test and to receive counselling [10]

I knew that I will be tested [14]

Taking the HIV test first gives you information about your own health status, and second it protects the unborn child [11].