Factors Related Voluntary HIV and Counseling and Testing in an Urban Community of Ethiopia.
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Date
2000-12
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2000 to Apr il 2000 among the age group of 15-49 year populmion of Harar town. to determine the factors related with intention of Voluntary HIV counse ling and testing (VCT). A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 720 stud y subjects fl'Om residents of Harar town. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were utilized. More than three-fourth (85,4%) of the study subjects claimed to have intention of having VCT; and about three-fourth (73.9%) had intention of asking partner(s) to seek for VCT. On multi-variate analysis condom use (OR=2J), not initiating sexual practice (OR=2,4), positive attitude (OR= 104) and salient belief(OR=1.2) towards VCT were positive predictors of intention of having VCT. Being never married(OR= 1.9), positive attitude (OR= 1.2), subjective norm (OR= I J) and salient belief (OR= 13) towards VCT were positive predictors of intention of asking partner(s) to get VCT. On gender based multi-variate analys is being never married (OR=23) was significant predictor only among male subjects and not initiating sexual practice (OR=4. 7) was significant predictor only among female subjects. Confidential HIV testing and face-to-face counseling by physicians, trained persons and religious leaders were found to be the most preferred method of service delivery. Majority of subjects could afford to pay less than 10 birr for the VCT service. The major reasons identified for not having intention of VCT were fear of positive result and stigma attached to AIDS.As cultural norms and attitude towards VCT have significant impact on acceptance of VCT, program implementers should address the issue by involving community leaders and using community and cultural gatherings to advocate benefits of VCT, to reduce fear of positive result and stigma attached to AIDS. To expand the service to the community at large cost issue should be well addressed.
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Keywords
HIV, Counseling, Testing