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Abstract
Related factors to VCT practice in Ethiopia
Girma Shiferaw B.1
Objectives: Voluntary counseling and testing for HIV had become a corner stone for comprehensive prevention programs and also helped in treatment efforts. The aim of this study is to determine factors related with intention of voluntary HIV counseling and testing /VCT/.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among age group of 15-49 years population in western part of Ethiopia, urban community. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 720 study subjects. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were utilized.
Results: More than three-fourth /85%/ of the study subjects claimed to have intention of having VCT and about three-fourth/73%/ had intention of asking partner/s/ to seek for VCT. On multi-variant analysis condom use /OR=2.3/,not initiating sexual practice /OR=2.4/ and positive attitude/OR=1.4/ towards VCT were positive predictors for intention of having VCT. Being never married/OR=1.9/,positive attitude/OR=1.2/ towards VCT were positive predictors of intention of asking partner/s/ to get VCT. On gender based analysis being never married /OR=2.3/ 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 preferred the idea that VCT service should be given for free. The major reasons identified for not having intention of VCT were fear of positive results and stigma attached to AIDS.
Conclusions: 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 expand the service to the community and country at large ,cost issue should be well addressed.
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
CDB085
Suggested Citation
" Girma Shiferaw B.
Related factors to VCT practice in Ethiopia.
:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
CDB085"
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