Exploring the Attitude, Knowledge and Experiences of the Youth Towards HIV Counseling and Testing

Abstract

The study explored the attitudes, knowledge and experiences of the youth regarding HIV counseling and testing in the Jirapa district of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study aimed at finding out the knowledge of the youth about HIV infection, transmission, the beliefs and attitudes toward undergoing HIV test and their experiences at the HIV counseling and testing centres. An exploratory qualitative design was used to explore the youth experiences. The sampling method employed was purposive and was based on data saturation- when no new information was forth coming. Saturation occurred at the 12th participant but four more interviews were conducted to cross check new emerging themes. The findings of the study showed that the youth had adequate knowledge of HIV counseling and testing but the participants indicated that there was lack of confidentiality at HIV counseling and testing centres, as counsellors easily spread the news to people about others who tested positive to HIV and the likely occurrences of stigma among the youth when HIV has been diagnosed. Findings from the study also indicated that there are some cultural and traditional practices as well as some parental influences on the utilization of HIV counseling and testing centres by the youth in the Jirapa district of Ghana. The study recommended that the health authorities in the district should re-strategize their HCT education programmes to include the youth in their own settings through the use of youth friendly services and the community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in the district.