Utilization of Hiv/Aids voluntary counseling and testing service and associated factors among government high school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia an institution-based cross sectional study.
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Date
2018-01
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a key component in the national
HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is the number
one cause of death among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, testing among
adolescents remains very low. The 2016 EDHS shows in Ethiopia 74% of girls and 88% of boys
aged 15 – 19 years have never been tested. However in Ethiopia HIV Counseling and Testing
tends to be on the fall among adolesccents according to EDHS 2011 and 2016. The objective of
this study is to determine the prevalence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) of
HIV/AIDS and associated factors among high school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of VCT utilization
and its associated faactors among high school adolescents aged 15 – 19 years in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia from February to April 2018. Our study participants were selected using simple random
sampling technique. A self-administered structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to
collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21. We used Descriptive statistics to describe the
study population, bivariate analysis to determine the presence and strength of association and
multivariable methods of data analysis to control for confounders; p<0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
RESULTS: Our study participants constituted 400 adolescents; 44% male, 56% female with a
mean age of 17.2±1.3 years. 20.2% of our study participants were sexually active with the mean
age of first sexual intercourse 16.3±1.5 years. The prevalence of VCT utilization was 35.8% and
the associated factors were; Ever had sexual intercourse [AOR=2.09 (1.03, 4.26)], Availability of
VCT services in or around the high school [AOR=1.85 (1.07, 3.18)], time on foot to nearest VCT
center [AOR=3.74 (1.17, 12.0)], perception of stigma and discrimination [AOR=3.0 (1.79, 5.014)].
CONCLUSION: VCT utilization among high school adolescents was low. Accessibility,
perceived stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to VCT utilization for adolescents.
RECOMMENDATION: VCT services should be made available in schools and Campaigns to
educate parents and adolescents on stigma and discrimination will improve VCT utilization.
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Keywords
Voluntary Counseling,HIV/AIDS