Factors Affecting HIV Counseling and Testing Among Tertiary Students in the Ho Municipality

Abstract

HIV/AIDS continues to have a staggering impact on people’s health and on the social and economic stability of nations. HIV Counselling and Testing is one of the key strategies in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS worldwide AIDS worldwide. This study therefore sought to determine factors that determine the choice to test for HIV among tertiary students in the Ho municipality. Method A quantitative cross –sectional study was conducted. Study population was divided into two strata (i.e. Ho polytechnic population and Ho nurses’ training population) proportionately. Convenience sampling method was used to select respondents from the institutions. 358 questionnaires were administered. Data was edited, coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS16. Basic descriptive statistics was run (frequencies, percentages, and means). A bivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was done. Results Findings from the study demonstrated that the choice to undergo HIV counselling is determined by several factors beyond factors that were examined in this study. There was no difference between those who have tested and those who have not tested with reference to their vulnerability to HIV, benefits of HCT, severity of HIV and barriers to HCT. Conclusion Findings from the study demonstrated that the choice to undergo HIV testing is determined by factors beyond those examined in this study. There was no difference between those who have tested and those who have not tested with reference to their perceived vulnerability to HIV, benefits of HCT, severity of HIV and barriers to HCT. Again variables in the socio-demographics of the respondents did not show any impact on the choice to test for HIV.