FACTORS INFLUENCING UPTAKE OF HIV TESTING AND COUNSELLING AMONG THE YOUTH IN KINTAMPO SOUTH DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

Background: HIV/AIDS is a threat to global development and human security, and Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region worst affected. It is estimated that 23.5 million people in this region are living with HIV, with youth accounting for 40% of new HIV infections. However, HIV Testing Counselling uptake among the youth is low.

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing uptake of HIV testing and counselling among the youth aged 15-24 years in Kintampo South District.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the youth aged 15 to 24 years using pre-tested questionnaire in the Kintampo South District. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the communities and households. Only participants who gave consent to participate in the study were interviewed. Data was collected on demographic characteristics, personal related and health system related factors that influence uptake of HIV testing and counselling among the youth 15-24 years.

Results: Nearly half of the youth (49.8%) had never tested for HIV with factors such as lack of confidentiality, lack of privacy, mistrust of the health system, inconvenient facility opening hours, fear of positive results and poor attitude of services providers being cited as barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling. Age, educational status, marital status and occupation were some demographic factors found to be significant determinants of HIV testing and counselling among the youth. The single most significant factor that was associated with HIV testing and counselling from the study was the high willingness to test for HIV among the youth of the Kintampo South District.

Conclusion: The findings of the study that nearly half of the youth had never tested for HIV and citing lack of confidentiality, lack of privacy, mistrust of the health system, inconvenient facility opening hours, fear of positive results and poor attitude of services providers as barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling has a serious public health implications.