RESUMO
The objective of this study was to explore and describe the factors that influence the decision by pregnant women to be tested for HIV. This was achieved through a qualitative research study that was exploratory; descriptive and contextual in nature. A sample of 13 pregnant women participated. Data obtained from semi-structured interviews was analysed according to a protocol based on a combination of methods of analysis. The three main themes; namely factors that contribute to the decision by pregnant women to be tested for HIV; factors that contribute to the decision by pregnant women not to be tested for HIV and organisational factors that influence the decision by pregnant women to be tested for HIV; were divided into nine subthemes. Conclusions and recommendations to promote counselling to pregnant women being tested for HIV are provided