Browsing by Author "Abera, Ketema"

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    Assessment of voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) service Utilization among married couples in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2010-06) Abera, Ketema; Mitike, Getnet (PhD)
    Background: voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) is one of the key strategies in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. However, the utilization of VCT service particularly among married couples is very low in Gondar city. We therefore conducted this study to determine the prevalence, willingness and factors associated with VCT service utilization among married couples in Gondar city. Methods: a population based cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative research method was conducted between February and March 2010. A total of 846 married couples aged 18 years and above were sampled from 3 randomly selected kebeles. Data was collected on VCT service utilization and independent variables. Binary logistic regression (bivariate and multivariate analysis) was performed to determine the predictors of VCT service utilization among married couples. Results: 838 married couples (1676 individuals) participated in the study with a response rate of 99.05 %. VCT use was higher among married women in the age group of 18-30 years and 31-40 years than married men. The major barriers to VCT service utilization among married couples were stigma, discrimination, fear of test results, partner rejection, and fear of marital breakage. However, 76.1% of married couples reported that they had willingness to use VCT. Conclusion: the VCT service utilization among married couples in Gondar city was very low. In order to increase VCT service utilization, there should be particular attention on health education, home based VCT programs, pertinent media programs and community mobilization